Iain Kelly

QUARANTINE

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’.

dales-ice-rink-1
Copyright Dale Rogerson

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.

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To find out more about my novels, buy them, or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited, just follow the links below:
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Iain Kelly

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71 responses to “QUARANTINE”

  1. Sadje Avatar
    Sadje

    A scary scenario, but quite possible even in these days.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Sadje

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Sadje Avatar
        Sadje

        You’re welcome 😉

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Tannille Avatar
    Tannille

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you so much

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  3. neilmacdon Avatar
    neilmacdon

    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

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      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?

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. Anita Avatar
    Anita

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It does seem like the authorities in China have reacted quickly. Hopefully the suffering is temporary for those stuck there.

      Like

      Reply
  5. neeltheauthor- author of WHEN LIFE THROWS THOSE CURVE BALLS Avatar
    neeltheauthor- author of WHEN LIFE THROWS THOSE CURVE BALLS

    Yes, apocalyptic! Mirroring current frightful realities.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Neel

      Like

      Reply
  6. Michele Jones Avatar
    Michele Jones

    You nailed this one. This is exactly how the news portrays the flu.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Michele

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  7. Colline Avatar
    Colline

    Reflections of a current scare. Nicely done!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Colline

      Like

      Reply
  8. ceayr Avatar
    ceayr

    Aaa-chooo!
    Bang.
    Logical conclusion?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Well, yeah.

      Like

      Reply
  9. J Hardy Carroll Avatar
    J Hardy Carroll

    1918 redux. Good story. I think it’s on a lot of our minds these days.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you – the current outbreak in China is worrying, but seems to be under control – until the next time.

      Like

      Reply
  10. rochellewisoff Avatar
    rochellewisoff

    Dear Iain,

    Sounds a lot like what’s happening today with the Corona Virus. Well written. Chilling in fact.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Rochelle, yes a topical influence in this one.

      Like

      Reply
  11. granonine Avatar
    granonine

    Too true to life, and very frightening. There are some things we can’t legislate, protest, or ignore.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Linda – ignoring would be the worst case here. Fortunately most countries seem to recognise their responsibilities in stopping such viruses spreading.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  12. Keith's Ramblings Avatar
    Keith’s Ramblings

    History is repeating itself once again. My brother was flying to China Saturday. Not now though!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Nope, best to avoid the area for a few months! At least he wasn’t already there and stuck.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  13. Na'ama Yehuda Avatar
    Na’ama Yehuda

    Oy vey. And with the Corona virus panic, not so far from reality …

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  14. pensitivity101 Avatar
    pensitivity101

    Very topical with the Corona virus Iain. Good write.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Di

      Like

      Reply
  15. theministryofshrawleywalks Avatar
    theministryofshrawleywalks

    Wow very relevant to the Corona Virus we’re facing now, good stuff

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Like

      Reply
  16. Dale Avatar
    Dale

    It’s all been said so I shall add that this was very well written, Iain!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Dale

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  17. lindamaycurry Avatar
    lindamaycurry

    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.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I don’t blame them!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  18. draliman Avatar
    draliman

    Topical and quite scary.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  19. James McEwan Avatar
    James McEwan

    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?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks James – one of the great fears. We know they will happen at some point, but will we be ready?

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  20. willowdot21 Avatar
    willowdot21

    Too close for comfort 💜

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Yep, its a scary world sometimes.

      Like

      Reply
      1. willowdot21 Avatar
        willowdot21

        Yes indeed 💜

        Liked by 1 person

  21. pennygadd51 Avatar
    pennygadd51

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      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?

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  22. plaridel Avatar
    plaridel

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Worth the risk though?

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  23. susanmehr Avatar
    susanmehr

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Susan

      Like

      Reply
  24. tedstrutz Avatar
    tedstrutz

    Nice take on the photo.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Ted

      Like

      Reply
  25. Laurie Bell Avatar
    Laurie Bell

    Damn! This horrified me, cause that’s exactly what’s happening now…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Could happen to any of us – just a matter of geographical luck really.

      Like

      Reply
  26. Fatima Fakier Avatar
    Fatima Fakier

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Fatima

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  27. trishsplace Avatar
    trishsplace

    You never know when this is the one to take seriously! Underreact and you’re stuffed. Overreact and you’re pilloried!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It’s a fine line.

      Like

      Reply
  28. Lynn Love Avatar
    Lynn Love

    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

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Lynn

      Like

      Reply
      1. Lynn Love Avatar
        Lynn Love

        Always a pleasure, Iain

        Liked by 1 person

  29. Russell Avatar
    Russell

    Scary stuff there! If I’m ever quarantined, I hope it’s somewhere considerably warmer!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      With nice facilities 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Russell Avatar
        Russell

        Oh yes, nice facilities are a must!

        Liked by 1 person

  30. Woman walking Max Avatar
    Woman walking Max

    The fear, panic and control measures are so well conveyed here. Good story.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Like

      Reply
  31. Eugenia Parrish Author Avatar
    Eugenia Parrish Author

    A bit of history? Makes us all think.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  32. Sascha Darlington Avatar
    Sascha Darlington

    Amazing how fear makes people behave. You’ve done a great job bring that to life.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Sascha

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  33. Dawn M. Miller Avatar
    Dawn M. Miller

    Perfect timing for this one 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Dawn – hard to avoid the news!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  34. Mike Avatar
    Mike

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Mike

      Like

      Reply

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