This is one volunteer’s experience and perspective regarding service following the acute phase of the Covid-19 pandemic. For more information on the current Covid-19 situation around the world, please visit https://covid19.who.int/.
Bradford Reszel, 134 TESS
A lot has been written about the COVID-induced evacuations of volunteers in the spring of 2020. A little more than three years later, the need for an update on how COVID has affected training, service and the Thai communities we serve is appropriate and necessary.
As Group 134 was preparing for departure back in January, we all had to test and mask throughout the pre-service training (PST) process. Once in country, we tested on a weekly basis and wore masks throughout training at our language schools, practicums and at the Tessaban (municipal building used as our training hub). Amazingly, through all of PST, not a single member of our cohort reported testing positive for COVID.
Now at site, and with the US Government lifting restrictions and the WHO declaring an end to the pandemic, we volunteers are out in our communities. Plenty of Thai people are wearing masks in all environments – schools, wats (temples), outside, inside – and a big reason for the caution is the collective living situation of so many families. Since multiple generations often live under one roof, Thais tend to be extra vigilant to avoid passing the virus to a loved one.
Unfortunately, as we all know, masking and social distancing does not always prevent contracting COVID, and with the new school year starting up in May, many people have gotten sick and tested positive. Volunteers are not left out of those infected, and I ended up becoming ill and missing time at my school.
After the first few days with students I could feel a slight tinge of pain in my throat as we ended the school day on Friday. Assuming it was no more than fatigue from teaching, I did not think much of it. By Sunday, with multiple symptoms beyond a sore throat, I knew I needed to test for COVID, and sure enough I tested positive. Here’s what that meant: I had to call the Peace Corps Medical Officer (a doctor) and talk through my symptoms, while also making sure I could mask and isolate myself from my host family. I monitored my temperature, blood oxygen level, pulse rate for days and am glad to say I never developed symptoms serious enough to go to the hospital. What did happen was that I missed the first full week of school with my new students and co-teacher.
My host family was concerned about my health and, as they are older, wanted to prevent getting COVID themselves. They donned masks and ate separately from me, all while asking if I needed anything. It is such a comfort knowing how much we volunteers are cared for by the amazing people who agree to have us in their homes.
An additional comfort was that my school deeply cared about my well-being, and I was checked on every day by my co-teacher either by text or socially-distanced visit. He relayed that the administrators and teachers wanted me to get as much rest as I needed and to not rush back – in fact, insisting I stay home two additional days to be as close to 100% healthy for my return on Monday. I am thankful that I am a part of such a welcoming and kind community, and look forward to getting back to school. I hope my story, and update, gives PCVs, RPCVs, ePCVs and all others curious about the lasting effects of COVID on Peace Corps service some insight into what we face today and how it bonds us with our communities.
Sticky Rice 
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