They nicknamed it ‘Christmas Island’ after the notorious isle off the coast of Australia that had been used to quarantine people centuries ago.
An area the size of Wyoming, shrouded in winter.
No one knew how long the lockdown would last. Food and medicine parcels were parachuted in, but supplies were dwindling.
Paranoia abounded. A slight sniffle and the perpetrator was marched away by the authorities. Houses were sealed up, families split, loved ones separated.
The death toll was unknown. It would take years to determine the final number.
Around the world headlines screamed the news: ‘INFLUENZA RETURNS’.
Written for Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE). The idea is to write a short story of 100 words based on the photo prompt (above).
To read stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.
To find out more about my novels, buy them, or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited, just follow the links below:
A JUSTIFIED STATE: U.S.A. – AMAZON.COM UNITED KINGDOM AUSTRALIA CANADA INDIA
STATE OF DENIAL: U.S.A. – AMAZON.COM UNITED KINGDOM AUSTRALIA CANADA INDIA
Iain Kelly 
71 responses to “QUARANTINE”
A scary scenario, but quite possible even in these days.
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Thank you Sadje
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You’re welcome 😉
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Hmm the circumstances are either really bad and powers at be are downplaying or there is an overreaction. Either way details and actions don’t add up.
Great mirror to a current event.
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Thank you so much
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A timely story, Iain. And it raises all sorts of ethical questions about whether it’s necessary and right to take away the liberty of some so the world may survive
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I question whether it is wise to allow citizens of other countries to leave a quarantine zone just so they can get home a few weeks sooner. Surely that puts more people at risk?
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Deadly Corona Virus & Wuhan, China – depicted in your words.
Death toll is rising.
People are severely affected. Food supplies are a major concern.’
Hope all is well soon.
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It does seem like the authorities in China have reacted quickly. Hopefully the suffering is temporary for those stuck there.
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Yes, apocalyptic! Mirroring current frightful realities.
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Thanks Neel
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You nailed this one. This is exactly how the news portrays the flu.
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Thanks Michele
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Reflections of a current scare. Nicely done!
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Thank you Colline
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Aaa-chooo!
Bang.
Logical conclusion?
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Well, yeah.
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1918 redux. Good story. I think it’s on a lot of our minds these days.
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Thank you – the current outbreak in China is worrying, but seems to be under control – until the next time.
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Dear Iain,
Sounds a lot like what’s happening today with the Corona Virus. Well written. Chilling in fact.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks Rochelle, yes a topical influence in this one.
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Too true to life, and very frightening. There are some things we can’t legislate, protest, or ignore.
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Thanks Linda – ignoring would be the worst case here. Fortunately most countries seem to recognise their responsibilities in stopping such viruses spreading.
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History is repeating itself once again. My brother was flying to China Saturday. Not now though!
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Nope, best to avoid the area for a few months! At least he wasn’t already there and stuck.
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Oy vey. And with the Corona virus panic, not so far from reality …
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Thank you
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Very topical with the Corona virus Iain. Good write.
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Thank you Di
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Wow very relevant to the Corona Virus we’re facing now, good stuff
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Thank you
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It’s all been said so I shall add that this was very well written, Iain!
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Thank you Dale
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It seems those Australians stuck in China have been offered a two-week “vacation” on Christmas Island but many are deciding it’s safer to stay where they are.
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I don’t blame them!
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Topical and quite scary.
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Thank you
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Supports the idea of staying at home on the first sign of a sniffle, sod work. On a serious note: How far will the authorities go if it gets out of hand and bodies start to pile up in the streets. Is there a virus around every corner waiting for its day?
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Thanks James – one of the great fears. We know they will happen at some point, but will we be ready?
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Too close for comfort 💜
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Yep, its a scary world sometimes.
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Yes indeed 💜
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Topical and scary. Still, the evidence suggests that provided the emergent disease isn’t substantially more deadly than influenza then containment should control it. The biggest threat is the breakdown of civil society.
Good story, Iain. I liked the way you expanded the ice rink into a whole state.
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Thank you Penny. Yes, it relies on the authorities to act responsibly, and the citizens to comply. How much confidence do we have in either?
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one side effect of globalization is the spread of viruses. every traveling human can become a potential carrier. quarantine can help but only to a certain extent.
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Worth the risk though?
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Out of sight, out of mind. It’s sad how easy humans can be cast aside regardless of the circumstances.
A great depiction of reality.
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Thanks Susan
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Nice take on the photo.
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Thanks Ted
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Damn! This horrified me, cause that’s exactly what’s happening now…
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Could happen to any of us – just a matter of geographical luck really.
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I just read that Australia is quarantining evacuees from Wuhan on that very island! Although measures should be taken against an outbreak, unfortunately these rigid measures have left a trail of victims too. Also read of a teenage boy with cerebral palsy who died because his caregivers were marched off to quarantine, and nobody was there to feed him. Your story hit the mark this week.
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Thanks Fatima
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You never know when this is the one to take seriously! Underreact and you’re stuffed. Overreact and you’re pilloried!
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It’s a fine line.
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A chillingly timely story, Ian and I can see where your inspiration came from in the photo. A true reflection of humanity and its reactions to these situations. We may have progressed scientifically, but in many ways our reactions to pandemics are the same as they’ve been for centuries. Well done
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Thanks Lynn
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Always a pleasure, Iain
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Scary stuff there! If I’m ever quarantined, I hope it’s somewhere considerably warmer!
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With nice facilities 🙂
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Oh yes, nice facilities are a must!
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The fear, panic and control measures are so well conveyed here. Good story.
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Thank you
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A bit of history? Makes us all think.
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Amazing how fear makes people behave. You’ve done a great job bring that to life.
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Thanks Sascha
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Perfect timing for this one 😉
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Thanks Dawn – hard to avoid the news!
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A story that hits the nail on the head. The bubonic plague drove the world into recession, I fear the Corona Virus could do the same.
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Thanks Mike
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