Martyn Iles, Managing Director of the Australian Christian Lobby, was in the US when the Coronavirus pandemic broke out on a global scale. He was able to cut his trip short before all international flights ceased, and arrived back in Australia over the weekend where he is now in 14 days self-isolation in his 1 bedroom Canberra apartment.
He spoke to Neil Johnson on Vision Christian Radio’s 20Twenty program during his weekly political update and shared what life was like inside a small quarantine zone all on his own.
“This is day three or day two, I can’t remember. But [self-isolation] is not as easy as it sounds, especially when you’ve got an apartment you live in but no backyard – so I’m making use of my balcony. It’s a small space to exist in for 14 days.”
“And I’m someone who really likes to be up and out and about. To be sitting in a room for this long is challenging. It’s more opportunities I guess to focus and read and think and meditate, and that’s not a bad thing. Jesus did it.”
“I’ve been really impressed by the number of people who have just been cautious to make sure that I have everything I need. Even people I don’t really know have said ‘Look, if you need anything, let me know’. So that’s really kind and I’m grateful for that. You see things that you wouldn’t normally otherwise see and you’ve always got to look at the silver lining.”
Streaming church on Sunday from his apartment
How is Martyn exercising and keeping up a routine during self-isolation?
“You’ll go nuts without it. The night will blend into day and it will all become a disaster. I do have a rowing machine here with me, which I haven’t used for a little while. I used to use it a lot, so I’m getting back into that. I do have sunlight on my balcony and I do have video conferencing and social media to keep in touch with the world.”
“So, it’s all just a matter of discipline. And funnily enough, the less you do the harder it is to discipline yourself. It’s much easier for me when I’m out on the road and going a million miles an hour.”
Listen to Martyn Iles’ full political update in the podcast below, including what is happening with the closure of churches all over Australia in an effort to combat the spread of Coronavirus.
Tune into 20Twenty and join the conversation with Neil Johnson, weekdays on Vision Christian Radio. Click here for your local times.