Violet Lim Shares Her Covid Journey—No April Fool’s Laughing
When Violet Lim, the co‑founder of the hugely popular Lunch Actually, slipped on her Facebook page, she wasn’t joking. “I am case 667. No, this is not an April Fool’s joke,” she wrote, describing her unexpected Covid diagnosis. The post became a quick reminder that even the busiest entrepreneurs can still find themselves in the line of the virus.
How Violet Stopped the Spread (And Her Birthday Crowd)
Violet isn’t just a tech founder; she’s also a super‑mom with a hectic schedule. Her reaction? She immediately lowered the volume on the pandemic party:
- Washing and disinfecting hands like a professional—every time a sneeze or touch nudged her in the right direction.
- Shunning crowded spots—“No gym‑crowds, no malls, no strangers!”
- Canceling her 40th birthday bashes in February—because telling everyone “It’s just a party” isn’t an effective mask.
“When I’ve got nerves that might jump back to the party dusting in February, I had to put the phone on hail,” she tweets. This level of vigilance is now more than a point—it’s the charge that fuels her brisk daily hustle.
Why Violet’s Example Matters
Her story hits a note that’s all heart and humor: if you’re a high‑energy founder or a busy mom, the easiest way to keep the sickness from crashing into your calendar is to keep a clean hand, stay away from the crowds, and maybe swap the cake for a pie that’s lower in calories. With her own family and the workplace at stake, Violet’s tactics serve as a gentle reminder that a tiny ounce of caution can save the day.
Throbbing headache
Morning Alarm
On March 25th, Lim was jolted awake by a pounding headache and a strange tight knot in her chest. It felt like she’d swapped her pillow for a heavy gym belt.
First Move: The 5‑metre dash
- She stumbled out of bed for a quick 5‑metre walk to the sink.
- She wasn’t gasping like a scuba diver, but there was a subtle hitch in her breathing that made her feel uneasy.
Did It Feel Like COVID?
With that uneasy breath‑check, it was almost inevitable that her brain screamed, “COVID?” The worry was real, and the stakes felt unnaturally high.
Quick Call to the GP
Lim sprinted to her family doctor that same morning. The GP gave her a referral letter and sent her on to test at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID).
What Did the Doctor Check?
- Vitals, of course.
- Travel history—because the past global duo can’t be underestimated.
- Symptoms that were as unmistakable as a red flag.
And just like that, her quest for answers began, one nurse’s appointment at a time.
Getting Tested
Lim’s (Quirky) Journey to the NCID
The Clock‑Struck Arrival
At 6 pm, Lim rolled into the NCID, ready to face the weekend shift in a lab of safety and slight drama.
Queuing with a Twist of Distance
- The back‑of‑the‑line was laid out like a social distancing poster, with black crosses stamped on the floor to keep everyone a full meter apart.
- The nurses were decked out in full PPE, looking like a brigade of futuristic guardians.
Into the Holding Room – the Tempest of Paperwork
Lim climbed into a holding room that could host between 20 to 30 people, each seat politely set a meter apart. While waiting for the ECG, X‑Ray, and nose swab, she was handed a paper form that looked like a treasure map of her personal details.
The One Essential Rule
Important: NO PHOTOS ALLOWED. The paper etched this out bold, almost as if it were a stern HR memo.
Final Touch: Healthary Checklist
Beyond the mandatory travel history, Lim filled out the form, ready for the medical montage that would follow.
Nose swab test
Think the Nose Swab Is Just a Quick Flick? Think Again…
What the Test Really Looks Like
- First swipe: A long cotton bud tip is stalked deep inside your nose.
- Result: You’ll feel like you’ve just been hit by a wave of “tearing” discomfort.
- Double Trouble: When you’re convinced the first wave has passed, brace yourself for the second pass—this time into the other nostril. Ouch!
After the Chest Check
- Lim passed both the ECG and the X‑ray with flying colors.
- She was told to head home, relax, and await the swab verdict.
- She honestly thought the cosmos was on her side, hoping for a “negative” signal.
What Happens Next?
If the results come back positive, a phone call will land on her line within a day.
If the verdict is negative, a text message will pop up within 48 hours. Until then, it’s a waiting game that’s as thrilling as a cliff‑hanger episode.
Tested positive for Covid-19
Lim’s Surprising Covid Twist
Picture this: one morning, Lim’s phone rang with a voice that shouldn’t have. It was the NCID—National COVID‑ID—calling her with the news—she had tested positive for Covid‑19. She literally dropped her coffee.
The Moment of Shock
- “I couldn’t believe my ears,” Lim wrote. “My heart sank. I was in shock.”
- Her first instinct was panic, but she quickly realized she needed calm and action.
Getting the Right Gear
The NCID crew went straight to business, advising her to pack at least two complete outfits, toiletries, and all the little necessities that let her move around safely while waiting for the ambulance.
Ambulance Service Arrives
- The ambulance was on the way within two hours.
- When the driver rolled up, he was dressed head‑to‑toe in full PPE.
- To keep everyone safe, Lim sat at the far end of the van, maintaining a solid 1‑meter distance.
Family Drama — Real Life!
She wasn’t going to keep this to herself. Lim called her husband, who was understandably “stunned.”
- They gathered their kids and explained what’s going on. It was tough, but necessary.
- Lim urged everyone to get tested ASAP, hinting that she might have exposed them—feel free to show empathy, folks.
What Happens Next
With the ambulance waiting, Lim was escorted inside. The driver’s full protective gear made the ride feel like a superhero movie: capable, cool, and safe.
Key Takeaway
Stay prepared, stay connected, and don’t forget to test—your family’s health depends on it. Lim’s story reminds us that sometimes life gives us a curveball, but with the right team and a dash of humor, you can make it through.
Felt comforted and grateful
When a Short Ride Turns Into a Comforting Experience
It’s easy to picture the stress that comes with a sudden medical situation—but the truth is that even the most anxious souls can find a glimmer of calm in a whirlwind of events. In Lim’s case, a quick trip to the hospital ended up doing exactly that.
The Unexpected Helper
- Meet the hero: 64‑year‑old ambulance driver Mr. Nasir, who went above and beyond.
- Luggage solutions: He managed all of Lim’s bags, so she didn’t have to grapple with heavy gear.
- Storytime on wheels: While driving, Mr. Nasir tossed in a few funny anecdotes that kept Lim’s nerves at bay.
Lim’s Takeaway
“I felt so much more at ease during that brief trip,” Lim said with genuine gratitude, “and it was all thanks to Mr. Nasir’s kindness.”
It’s a reminder that sometimes merely showing up and lending a hand can transform a nerve‑wracking moment into something surprisingly reassuring.
Still in disbelief
Lim’s Unexpected Stay in Ward 5F
Thirty‑six hours after Lim finally made it to her hospital room—rumor has it in Ward 5F—she was still shaking from the shock. “I’m still in disbelief,” she told us. “I did everything I could, but I’m not sure how long I’ll be stuck here.”
“I wouldn’t have expected to end up here,”
Lim’s first words were a mix of irony and a touch of melancholy. “This was the last place I expected to be in,” she admitted, and the words echoed through the quiet corridor.
Support From the Medical Team
Even with the relentless pace of testing—patients coming in “every hour, every day”—the doctors and nurses kept a bright streak. “They’re always positive and upbeat,” Lim says. “Their energy helps keep the chaos in check.”
Keeping a Light Heart
- Staying upbeat amid the daily grind
- Supporting patients in a fast‑paced environment
- Maintaining a human touch in a clinical setting
Although the exact duration of Lim’s stay is still up in the air, her resilience and the team’s relentless positivity give everyone hope that this chapter will soon close.
