x
Breaking News
More () »

Cumberland couple quarantined in Vietnam due to coronavirus, back home

The Cumberland couple was quarantined in Vietnam for six days, after fellow travelers were exposed to coronavirus, or COVID-19.

CUMBERLAND, Maine — A trip across the world took a turn for the worst for a Cumberland couple.

"We [had] no water in any of these buildings," said Frank Lemanski

He and his partner Sandy, were quarantined in Vietnam amid the coronavirus outbreak.

"I had no idea what was going on," said Lemanski.

The two left the U.S. on March 6th, for what they thought would be a fun vacation. The flew from Boston, to Singapore, to Vietnam. 

Somewhere along the way, fellow passengers were exposed to the coronavirus. When they landed in Vietnam, there were taken to an old military base.

"They put us in rooms," said Lemanski.

They spent the next six days in quarantine with nearly two-hundred people from all around the world.

"Didn't know if they were tested or not. I don't think they knew, they would just fit right in wherever there was an open bed," said Lemanski.

They also had little food.

"They fed us three meals a day. I lost thirteen pounds, so I guess we weren't fed that good," said Lemanski

After not thinking they would be able to leave, they kept testing negative for the virus and said they were finally able to book a plane ticket home, with the help of the U.S. Embassy.

"I don't know if Vietnam is on my list of things to do again," said Lemanski.

The two will remain in quarantine in their home for the next two weeks, which they said isn't a bad gig, compared to where they were.

Lemanski said before they left for their trip, they knew it was going to be a gamble, but never thought this would happen. 

The two continue to take their temperature and said they never had a fever.

At NEWS CENTER Maine, we're focusing our news coverage on the facts and not the fear around the illness. To see our full coverage, visit our coronavirus section, here: /coronavirus

NEWS CENTER Maine Coronavirus Coverage

RELATED: Coronavirus in Maine Blog: 89 confirmed positive cases

RELATED: VA Health Care System reports three coronavirus, or COVID-19 cases

RELATED: Coronavirus live updates: US cities issuing stay-at-home orders

RELATED: Pictures fill the pews at a Saco church for Sunday service

RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: COVID-19 patients share symptom update

RELATED: Retired Maine teachers sew masks for health care workers amid shortage

RELATED: Walmart hiring for 150K positions to meet demand from coronavirus, giving bonuses to current employees

RELATED: Gov. Mills signs Patients First health care bills into law

RELATED: Coronavirus live updates: US cities issuing stay-at-home orders

RELATED: Coronavirus in Maine Blog: 89 confirmed positive cases

RELATED: As coronavirus crisis deepens, Congress close to economic rescue deal

NEWS CENTER Maine YouTube Coronavirus Playlist

Before You Leave, Check This Out