Since I commute about 2 hours to my work place, I have been extra cautious about my hygiene to avoid contracting the virus and transferring it to other people, especially to some of my not-so-young clients and colleagues.
So, when my temperature fluctuated around 38°C for 3 straight days and displayed some symptoms in the #COVID checklist, I called the public health center to get advice. After getting the number of the nearest clinic; I prepared my #Nihongo spiel to explain my situation using my trusty #GoogleTranslate app (whoever made this app, I owe you big time!). And this was how are phone convo went...
Me: Moshi moshi... ahh... Kore wa TF Clinic desu ka? (Is this the TF Clinic?)
Staff1: Hai!
Me: Eto... Netsu ga... (I haven't even finisihed "Netsu ga arimasu." - I have a fever.)
Staff1 (hurriedly): Shoushou omachi kudasai. (Please wait. - very polite version)
Staff2: Hello, good afternoon!
Me: 😌
I wasn't able to use my entire prepared speech since Staff 1 quickly endorsed me to another staff. But I was able to make an appointment with the clinic the next day. And when I arrived, I was greeted by a staff in full PPE gear. I wasn't allowed to go inside so everything was done in the temporary tents they put up in the parking area.
The young English-speaking doctor initially said that I might just have a cold but when he started asking questions about my work, he changed his mind and advised me to get a PCR test.
Doc: Then, I recommend you take a PCR test tomorrow. We can make the appointment for you.
Me (worried): Umm... ok... but before that, would you have any idea how much it would cost?
Doc: Ah, maybe from ¥3,000 ~ ¥5,000.
Me (relieved): OK
At the drive-through PCR lane, I was asked to confirm my identity 2X and was given instructions as to when and how I can get the results. After saying "Hai!" several times, the most dreaded part came. The medical staff inserted the swab (twice in each nostril) and I thought he succeeded making brain soup while at it. Tears flowed so bad he had to step back from the car and apologize (by bowing). After a few seconds, I was composed myself. The next staff told me the procedure is finished and motioned for the car to move forward. I was expecting another stop for the payment but the end of the lane was the road going home.
NOTE: I checked my mailbox every day for 1 month expecting a bill but I never received one. It pays to have a universal healthcare system.
Ah yes, the result came in the next day via a phone call (in the morning) and a certificate via mail (in the afternoon). Both are negative. 😌
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