If some families have spent more time together because of the coronavirus pandemic, other families are longing to reunite.
When governments worldwide decided to implement lockdowns, some individuals are on business trips or are on vacation. When they got stranded, all they ever wished for was to return home and stay with their families during the coronavirus pandemic.
A father from Scotland, Kerem Koseoglu, was one of those stranded in a different country due to the lockdowns. He was in Turkey when the travel restrictions were implemented.
He was only able to reunite with his family after three months.
He and his family shared their story with BBC News.
The reunion
It was an emotional reunion for the father, his daughter, and his wife. Koseoglu was only able to return two weeks ago. However, because of the quarantine rules, Koseoglu had to stay away from his wife and daughter for fourteen days.
Since Kerem's return two weeks ago, he stayed distant to his daughter because of the quarantine.
On Saturday, the family reunited after the quarantine, and was able to share a hug after more than three months. Kerem said, "It was a great feeling, so nice to have her after such a long time."
The 14-day quarantine
Even if he was home, at last, Kerem had to stay in a separate room in their house. He only had a bed, a makeshift desk, and some coffee and tea.
His wife, Caroline, shared how they went through the entire quarantine for Kerem. Since she also had to look after their daughter, Ayla, sometimes she forgets that Kerem has not eaten yet.
Aside from that, they always had to keep everything sanitized so that they will not risk contracting the coronavirus. Caroline said, "We were basically sanitizing everything because you don't know. You can't see the virus."
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The family in Scotland
While Kerem was in Turkey, it was Caroline, that took care of Ayla.
Their eight-year-old daughter has Edward's syndrome. This health issue weakens Ayla's immune system, making her more vulnerable to the coronavirus. Aside from this, she also experiences breathing and gastrointestinal problems.
It was Ayla who became extremely happy when their family reunited. Kerem said, "But she is so happy, and I am so happy to see her now and to give her a cuddle."
As the world still battles with the coronavirus pandemic, Kerem's family is hoping that everyone is taking the health protocols seriously. Caroline said, "As a society, I think we have got a responsibility to make sure we follow the rules."
For the couple who has a child that has conditions that the coronavirus could bring higher risks on her health, they understand that the health protocols should be strictly followed.
Right now, the family is enjoying the company of each other. Kerem now only plans to return to Turkey when he is sure that he can return to Scotland without a glitch.
