Utah Woman Returns Home After Month-Long Coronavirus Quarantine

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Utah woman who works aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship has returned home after spending 26 days in quarantine.

Colleen Castillo was eager to get back to life as normal after spending much of the last month with very little human contact.

Her tests always came back negative for the virus, but she was among those stuck on a cruise ship docked in Japan. The all had to be quarantined as a precaution.

Castillo said she was grateful for the care she received, both from the crew on the ship, as well as the medical workers at Travis Air Force Base in California, where she spent the last fourteen days.

She said the people there made sure they were entertained, as much as they could be, and did their best to get those quarantined whatever they needed during the stay.

Castillo gives lectures on Japanese history aboard the Princess cruise ship. That’s what got her there, and she said she planned to do it again.

After coming close to the coronavirus, she said people should not panic, although being away and quarantined made her appreciated the everyday things of her life.

“My biggest concern, while I was there, was my mother,” said Castillo. “She’s 94, and yes, she’s healthy – and no, she doesn’t have respiratory problems – but I still didn’t want to bring it home to her.”

Castillo never caught the coronavirus. She was among the many passengers of the cruise ship who were quarantined as a precaution.

Although she remained healthy, others around her did get sick.

“I actually know the Japanese couple that passed away, and I feel very sorry for their families,” she said.

Castillo understood why they were quarantined, and she did not begrudge it, though there was a lot of alone time. She spent 12 days on the ship and another fourteen on the base.

“Only interacting with those who are masked and covered over, and there were no hugs. There (was no) personal contact whatsoever,” she said.

Everyone worked hard to keep all those at the base comfortable, with food, games, and even blankets and Mickey Mouse dolls, she said.

“When I felt like I needed to talk to somebody, there was Mickey, so yeah – they’re small gestures, but they really, really do mean a lot,” Castillo said.

After her close encounter with coronavirus, she said people have less to worry about than they might think.

“I do think that people have become very fearful of something that isn’t that bad,” she said.

Castillo said the alarmist response by some was too much.

“I don’t blame anyone, but I do feel bad for those people who are panicking. There’s no reason to panic,” she said.

After her month-long isolation, Castillo said it was a bit of shock in coming back to the real world, but she’s ready to get back to everyday life.

Coronavirus Resources

Have you or a family member been affected by coronavirus issues in Utah? KSL wants to hear from you. Contact KSL by emailing social@ksl.com.

What is COVID-19? Here’s What You Need To Know To Stay Healthy: ksltv.com/432037/what-is-covid-19/

Latest coronavirus stories from KSL can be found at ksltv.com/coronavirus/.

Where in the world has the coronavirus already appeared? See the map: ksltv.com/?p=432035

Your Life Your Health: How can parents prepare their home, children against coronavirus: ksltv.com/?p=432060

How do I prevent it?

The CDC has some simple recommendations, most of which are the same for preventing other respiratory illnesses or the flu:

• Avoid close contact with people who may be sick
• Avoid touching your face
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
• If soap and water is not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

The CDC does not recommend wearing a facemask respirator to protect yourself from coronavirus unless a healthcare professional recommends it.