'To step out the front gate and actually feel free was a weird feeling'

Eighteen days. That's how long I spent home alone in quarantine before I was cleared of COVID-19. It's definitely the longest time I've ever spent entirely by myself.

The process started on Thursday March 12, after news broke that Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks had tested positive for coronavirus.

I had met the pair backstage at the Sydney Opera House the previous Saturday, following Rita's showcase performance, and then again during her appearance on Today Extra on Monday March 9.

So, along with my colleagues David Campbell, Belinda Russell and everyone else who'd come in contact with her, we were instructed to head to Royal North Shore Hospital and get tested.

Thankfully, everyone else at Channel Nine returned a negative result, but three days later, you could have bowled me over with a feather when I found out I was positive.

My experience pales to insignificance of course in comparison to thousands of others who have subsequently contracted the virus, but nevertheless it was a pretty strange and unforgettable time in my life.

I must admit I did feel a bit like a Guinea pig when the mandatory follow up declared I was still positive, so it was an emotional moment when the call came through last Monday evening that - at long last -  I had been cleared.

My youngest son Christian had just returned from Melbourne where he had been filming Dancing with The Stars.

I had scrubbed the house within an inch of its life in preparation of his return, and had outlined which area of the house he could safely use. We even worked out a schedule of when I would use the kitchen. It was a thorough plan

So, when that call came in, it was a massive relief to say the least!

I yelled out to him as he rested up-stairs: "I got the all-clear." He sprinted down and gave me the biggest hug I've ever had.

I didn't leave the house once over those 18 days, as I had obviously copped a mother-load of the thing, and did as instructed by NSW Health by staying in isolation.

So on Tuesday to step out the front gate and actually feel free, to get in the car and go somewhere, was a weird feeling.

For my first proper foray, I actually headed to work at Channel Nine, and on my way back I picked up some groceries from the supermarket.

It was nice to be able to do that for myself, after relying on the generosity and thoughtfulness of friends and family, although I think I scared a few people in the deli section at Woolies until I advised them that I has been given the all-clear.

The first post-quarantine meal I cooked for myself was a beautiful fresh piece of snapper that I pan-fried in butter and olive oil, with a green salad.

I was in quarantine for much longer than anticipated especially as I was asymptomatic, and felt like a bit of Guinea pig when talking to the health authorities, but it was about keeping other people safe.

A lot of people have asked me what it was like spending that much time alone.

Last week, Karl and Ally interviewed astronaut Scott Kelly to get his views on isolation. He said something I found very interesting - "The days fly by so quickly but the weeks go so long."

It's important how you fill those days, I found. I kept busy. I developed a routine and had more long, meaningful conversations with friends that I normally wouldn't have. We would talk about life, and family and the things that are really important, really connect. That was a beautiful by-product. 

I watched a fair bit of Seinfeld as well. When it was out on its first run  I was obviously running around and working probably – and was blissfully unaware of how great it is – so it was a nice excuse to catch-up on that genius series.

Stay safe, much love, see you on Weekend Today tomorrow morning.