An international travel freeze, drastically reduced domestic flight schedules, self-isolating staff members, personnel telecommuting from within or outside the country, only essential travel outside of UN bases, enforced physical distancing, psychosocial support available online or on the phone: the actions taken by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to prevent the global pandemic COVID-19 from gaining a foothold in the country are many and varied.

Just ask Edward Wrobeh, an administrative officer from Sierra Leone based in Juba who managed to return to South Sudan from holidays before the country closed its borders on 23 March. We spoke to him while he was becoming excessively familiar with every square millimetre of his accommodation.

“When I returned from leave in Sierra Leone, a country which like South Sudan had no recorded cases of COVID-19 (as of 16 April, four infections have been confirmed in the country), I was transported to my accommodation, with strict orders to not even dream about the outdoors, let alone step outside. Sure, I’m restless and bored out of my mind, but in the grand scheme of things spending two weeks by myself is a small price to pay for the greater good,” he said on Day 10 of his self-quarantine.

On a daily basis, colleagues delivered food and fruits at his doorstep. Approximately 314 times per day, Mr. Wrobeh secretly pondered all the things he would be doing were he to pop out for a wee bit. But, as a courtesy to his fellow peacekeepers and the population he is here to serve, he did not, and not just because he would have faced disciplinary measures had he done so.

“To me, it’s the obvious thing to do. If the virus arrives, it is likely to spread quickly. We are all responsible to do all we can to stop this from happening,” he said on the phone as he took a break from the intricate Excel document he was reviewing.

His advice to anyone facing a spell of isolation is simple: maintain regular work and eating routines, make sure to exercise a bit as well, and take time to get in touch with family and friends on the phone or by other means.