Bermudian students quarantined in a hotel have expressed their thanks after being brought home when Covid-19 reduced society to a standstill.

Dozens of people have been staying at the island resort to stop the spread of the killer virus since they returned from Britain or the United States as a result of the outbreak.

They were at the centre of a social-media storm over the Easter weekend, after photographs were published of food trash scattered in the hallway, while some have been chastised online for criticising the food they have received.

But two students yesterday gave lighter accounts of life under lockdown — including an impromptu “jam session” from hotel balconies on Good Friday.

Kion Knights, 22, who returned with his girlfriend from Solent University, in Southampton, England, and is now on day eight of 14 in quarantine, conceded two students under confinement have given security staff “a bad time”.

However, he emphasised that quarantined residents were in good spirits and grateful to staff, including chefs and security.

Mr Knights wrote the vast majority “are very happy and thankful”, including passing time with a Good Friday celebration, and said it was “not a bunch of students carrying on”.

He added: “The picture made it seem like there is chaos up here. There’s not. We’re all adults.”

Mr Knights said the anger online was compounded by most of the public being at home and spending their time online.

He said: “It just added to the fire.”

Mr Knights added that a video complaining about cold food, which spread among thousands on Snapchat, had never been intended to get so much attention.

He said: “The older generation found so much offence, but it didn’t mean anything.

“It got sent out. From one person, it spread to the whole island. It’s crazy how fast it spreads.”

He said it sparked “a tsunami of resentment”.

Mr Knights said that under quarantine, couples had been separated, and all ordered to keep to their rooms.

“We just can’t leave that door. Even if we get sick, they have to come to us.”

He said he had posted online in an attempt to “shed some light on it” as they waited through quarantine.

Another student among the 129 flown home from Britain last Monday said on Saturday: “Being in quarantine has been a bit challenging, as we are confined to our rooms with 24-hour security posted outside the door.

“However, I know it is essential to the containment of Covid-19. On a lighter note, my family has been able to bring certain items that I need.”

She added: “I am grateful to the Bermuda Government for knowing the importance of reuniting students and others with their families, during this unprecedented time.”

The Smith’s resident, who asked not to be named, said life in quarantine was occupied with university assignments, yoga and catching up with family and friends, via social media.

She said: “I have received a phone call from a community health nurse advising me of what to do, should there be any changes in my status.”

She described a deserted London on their way to catch the charter flight home.

London’s streets matched the shelves in stores: “Bare, with only police patrolling.”

After a cold, uncomfortable night in Heathrow, she noticed other Bermudians “beginning to slowly arrive, exuding anxiety from their body language”.

The British Airways charter flight was full, as it included stranded Cayman Islands residents heading home.

Passengers sat “close”, but practised social-distancing.

She added: “Upon landing, a sigh of relief was heard. I, too, was relieved and happy to be back home.

“A government official explained what they expected from us during the 14-day quarantine.

“We sat at the gate for almost an hour before disembarking in groups.”

Social-distancing was enforced by LF Wade International Airport officials, and passengers were questioned over “cough, fever, shortness of breath” by customs officers.

The cleared returnees were taken to quarantine by bus, she said. “Again, we sat close, as space was limited. Once at the quarantine facility, we were given our room keys which led to a beautiful en suite with a patio.

“I contacted my family, unpacked my things, showered and a hot meal was delivered three hours later. I was grateful.”