Corona Daily 465: American Couple at Sea: Part II

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…”

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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