Being quarantined in China shouldn't be so much fun, but it is!

Being quarantined in China shouldn't be so much fun, but it is!

I live and work in China for most of the year. During the Chinese New Year's break, I usually go on holiday – needless to say, events overtook me

By Jeremy Giles

My two weeks holiday spent back in the UK became extended to two months. Just last week I finally got a call from my Chinese employers to say they would like me to return to work.

    I believe it will prove to be the beginning of a beautiful, 2-week relationship with an isolation room that I will probably cherish for the rest of my life.  

I ordered a pack of facemasks (now mandatory outdoors wear in China) and booked a flight. The price of facemasks was artificially inflated, as was my plane ticket. In order to catch an affordable flight, I booked an indirect one stopping at Bangkok, Thailand. The total journey time was more than 20 hours. 

When my plane landed in Shanghai, we were told not to get up straight away. It was going to be a long wait. The staff had many procedures to attend to. They needed to make sure that everyone was safe. After two hours of waiting, I was finally allowed off the plane.

After being interviewed three times it was determined that I was outwardly healthy and was permitted to get on the bus to the place where I will be quarantined. The bus trip took two hours. When I finally walked into the room that will become my home for the next two weeks (it was 2 am), I simply collapsed into the warm, comfortable hotel bed. I believe it will prove to be the beginning of a beautiful, 2-week relationship with an isolation room that I will probably cherish for the rest of my life.

And that's where I am now, about 4 days into that relationship. As a creative person with indoor hobbies, (reading, writing, music, art) being confined to this room feels strangely liberating. It's obviously fun to have my own space, but it's also more than that. My needs are catered for. I don't have to go shopping, or even think about going shopping. My food is provided. I won't have to work until the two weeks is over. I can watch movies and browse Wikipedia for hours, knowing that the time is mine. It's blissful.  

Being quarantined in China shouldn't be so much fun, but it is!I have been provided with everything. My meals are brought by people in hazmat suits who leave food on a little table outside my door. I don't even have to interact with them. Breakfast usually comes with an egg, fruit and steamed buns. Lunch and dinner are generally rice-based (this is China, after all) and also come with a variety of fruit, meat, and vegetables. My supply of water and instant coffee is also replenished daily. As is toilet roll. (Another worry off the list.) 

Admittedly, the relationship hasn't come without issues. The Wi-Fi is free, but in constant use by the entire hotel, and it is therefore unusably slow. It could have been a serious problem since I rely on the internet so much for learning and entertainment. It was an easy fix in the end though - I set up a wireless hotspot with my unlimited data plan. Sorted.

I also have to take my temperature every morning and every night. I've been provided with a little mercury thermometer. I use the armpit method, and I've also have been given wipes to disinfect it. It takes a twenty-second phone call to report it to the front desk, and then it's done.

I thought socialising might have been a problem, but it hasn't been. I've had many meaningful and fun conversations, more so than I probably would have had in any normal week. It's convenient to call friends and family via phone or video chat. I have colleagues who are also in quarantine right now, and we've been sharing ideas about how to entertain ourselves, from exercise routines to word scrambles. Some of the ideas are pretty eccentric. Learn to yodel. Design a new Mario Brother. Write a rap battle.   

It's not what I expected. I don't know what I expected, but it wasn't as good as this. It feels like being on holiday. I may not know exactly what the coming days will bring, but I can honestly say that it's been a positive experience so far. I think I might even miss it when it's over. Being quarantined in China shouldn’t be so much fun. But it is. 

Published: 27 March 2020

© 2020 Just Recruitment Group Ltd

If you enjoyed this article, you may like: Just gardening: what to do in spring

You may also enjoy: Inspirational People

 

Jobs currently available

New job
Trainee Engineer
Sector: Engineering & Technical
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Job ref: JT-IPS-TE-0725
About the role

Just Temps is seeking a Trainee Engineer for a well-established company based on the outskirts of Ipswich, Suffolk.

This is a dynamic role that combines technical expertise with customer service. You will have a passion for working with machinery and solving problems on the spot.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Service and maintenance: Supply, fit, service, and maintain compressors, pipework, receivers, dryers, and more!
  • Troubleshooting and repair: Diagnose faults, carry out temporary repairs when necessary, and ensure machines are running efficiently and effectively on-site.
  • Customer-focused: Engage with customers directly to discuss the best options for each job, offering expert advice and solutions. Once trained, you will become the face of the company, so a friendly and professional approach is essential.
  • Safety and PPE: Wear provided overalls and PPE (personal protective equipment) while working on various sites, some of which may be dusty or dirty.
  • Team collaboration: Work as part of a small but skilled team, sharing knowledge and ensuring jobs are completed to the highest standard.

What this role offers:

  • Full training provided: No experience? No problem! You will be trained to become an expert in servicing, including pipework, receivers and more.
  • Competitive salary: Dependent on experience.
  • 24/7 breakdown callouts: Once trained, you’ll rotate on callouts to assist customers in their time of need.
  • Company vehicle: After training, you will be provided with your own van for work travel. Until then, you'll travel with colleagues.
  • Work schedule: Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (with flexibility depending on job requirements). No bank holidays or nights away!
  • Generous holiday: Enjoy 25 days of annual leave once permanent.
  • Company mobile: After completing your training, you'll be provided with a company mobile phone.
  • Uniform and PPE: All provided once training is complete.

Essential requirements include:

  • A full UK driving licence is required for the role, as you will need to travel to various sites.
  • The ability to work at heights is essential for some tasks.
  • Manual handling with the ability to lift and handle heavy items.
  • Thorough knowledge of machinery, with the ability to troubleshoot, repair, and maintain compressors.
  • Excellent communication skills - completing job sheets, communicating with customers, and signing off tasks on-site.

What’s the role like?

This is a practical, hands-on role where every day is different. From performing repairs on-site to assisting customers in getting their machines back up and running, no two days will be the same. If you enjoy solving problems, working with machinery, and meeting customers, this role is perfect for you.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Customer Service Executive
Sector: Customer Service
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913711
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a great company in Sudbury that offers a stable team and a positive working environment. They are seeking a Customer Services Executive to join their long-standing team.

As the Customer Service Executive, you will deal directly with customers by phone or email, providing stock updates, pricing and delivery information.

You will provide excellent customer service and promote this throughout the organisation.

The goal is to keep the department running in an efficient and profitable manner, to increase customer satisfaction, loyalty and retention and to meet their expectations.

To be considered for this role, you must have excellent Excel skills, including VLOOKUP's and Pivot Tables.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Improving customer service experience, creating engaged customers and facilitating organic growth
  • Taking ownership of customers' issues and following problems through to resolution
  • Setting a clear mission and deploying strategies focused towards that mission
  • Developing service procedures, policies and standards
  • Keeping accurate records and documenting customer service actions and discussions
  • Analysing statistics and compiling accurate reports
  • Reviewing order input, both for accuracy and to understand the customer's business and requirements
  • Managing office holidays and ensuring cover is in place

Key role requirements include:

  • Proven working experience as a Customer Service Executive or Key Account Handler
  • Experience in providing customer service support
  • Excellent knowledge of management methods and techniques
  • Ability to think strategically and to lead
  • Strong client-facing and communication skills
  • Advanced troubleshooting and multi-tasking skills
  • Customer service orientation
  • Strong Excel skills are required

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing business with the potential for development and career progression within the role.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Field Service Technician – Twickenham / Kingston Upon Thames
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Twickenham, Kingston Upon Thames
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913709
About the role

Due to continued growth, a world-leading provider of vehicle washing technology is recruiting a Field Service Technician to service a customer base in the Twickenham / Kingston Upon Thames area.

The role involves servicing and installing car and commercial valet equipment. You will be involved in all aspects of planned maintenance, breakdown repairs, equipment servicing, and general repairs. Responsibilities also include maintaining van stock levels and completing job sheets.

Role requirements include:

  • Having an Electrical or Mechanical engineering qualification
  • Be willing to travel and stay out overnight as and when required
  • Be willing to take on additional training and relevant courses, including evening courses that the company may pay for
  • Working on your own initiative or part of a team, and have problem-solving skills
  • Have a valid, clean UK driving licence
  • Good people skills, presentable and able to liaise directly with customers
  • Being punctual and able to keep accurate and timely documentation
  • IT literate with Microsoft Office and Outlook experience
  • You will be required to work within Health & Safety guidelines as set by the company

Benefits on offer include:

  • Company vehicle
  • Mobile phone
  • Pension scheme
  • Death in service benefit
  • Uniform and tools provided#

Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week plus 1 in 3 weekend cover.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Field Service Technician – Chelmsford / Ilford
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Chelmsford, Ilford
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913708
About the role

Due to continued growth, a world-leading provider of vehicle washing technology is recruiting a Field Service Technician to service a customer base in the Chelmsford / Ilford area.

The role involves servicing and installing car and commercial valet equipment. You will be involved in all aspects of planned maintenance, breakdown repairs, equipment servicing, and general repairs. Responsibilities also include maintaining van stock levels and completing job sheets.

Role requirements include:

  • Having an Electrical or Mechanical engineering qualification
  • Be willing to travel and stay out overnight as and when required
  • Be willing to take on additional training and relevant courses, including evening courses that the company may pay for
  • Working on your own initiative or part of a team, and have problem-solving skills
  • Have a valid, clean UK driving licence
  • Good people skills, presentable and able to liaise directly with customers
  • Being punctual and able to keep accurate and timely documentation
  • IT literate with Microsoft Office and Outlook experience
  • You will be required to work within Health & Safety guidelines as set by the company

Benefits on offer include:

  • Company vehicle
  • Mobile phone
  • Pension scheme
  • Death in service benefit
  • Uniform and tools provided#

Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week plus 1 in 3 weekend cover.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more