The announcement that an ex-passenger from the ship
had tested positive didn’t alter anything on the ship. Like a momentary pause in
an action-packed film. The music, dancing, entertainment, gambling, extravagant
eating and drinking continued.
Around midnight, Rebecca messaged Kent to return to
their cabin. Two Japanese officials in white cotton overalls stood outside. With
their faces hidden, it was difficult to decipher what they were saying. But
they carried a bilingual form asking for the passengers’ travel history and
symptoms, if any. Rebecca’s throat was a bit sore, but after two weeks of
indulgence and sleep deficit, that was not a surprise. The officials, though, took
out their kits, and took throat swabs of the couple. That night the team went
around the ship and took swabs from 253 people.
February 4, the final day on the ship, started as
usual. A sumptuous buffet, swimming, live music. Kent was fond of attending the
Quiz night. This week after the Quiz, nobody asked them to return the pencils.
Since he worked for Intel, he noticed such things.
In the evening, the ship was cruising towards
Yokohama. Another night at Tokyo, and they would fly back to the USA. Kent was
in the swimming pool when he heard the intercom: “This is the captain speaking. All guests are requested to immediately
return to their cabins. I have received instructions from the Japanese quarantine
inspectors. The ship has been quarantined. You are requested to stay in your
cabins for the next 14 days. I repeat…”
*****
From the next morning, basic food was delivered in
boxes and left outside the cabins. Guests were given masks, rubber gloves and
instructions. You must stay in the cabin if you want to be safe, the
instructions said. Strolls of 30 minutes per passenger were allowed, provided they
kept two arms’ distance from others. People started washing their garments in
the sink inside the cabin.
On the morning of 7 February, there was a knock on
Kent’s door. This time the officials outside looked like astronauts. “Rebecca
Frazer.” They said. “You positive. You come with us.”
Kent looked at the reports. Rebecca had tested
positive. “Where are you taking her?”
“Hospital.” The men said.
“But I am feeling fine.” Said Rebecca.
“No, you positive.” Said the Japanese.
The couple started packing.
“Not you, sir. You negative. You don’t come to
hospital. You here in quarantine.”
“Sorry, I am her husband.” Kent spoke slowly and clearly.
“You can’t take her alone to the hospital.” Americans are aware of their rights
no matter where they are located.
“No, orders from government. Mrs Frazer goes to
hospital. Mr Frazer stays in cabin.”
Rebecca packed her bag and left with the Hazmat suits.
Kent came out of the cabin, until he saw Rebecca disappear. He was told she
would stay in the hospital for three days. (To
be continued)
Ravi