Coronavirus

by Dan McCrory (United States of America)

A leap into the unknown Thailand

I’m here in Thailand. I had flu symptoms two weeks after spending a four hour layover in Xiamen, China, the gestation period of the disease. Two doctors in space suits sequestered me and stuck probes in my nose and down my throat and drew blood “You’re not leaving here today,” one of them told me. They were sending my samples to two labs for cross-testing. “We should have the results in about 48 hours.” I freaked and called my friend whose English is limited. I was going to need some stuff from the hotel. I called my wife who blamed the whole incident on my lack of vitamin c intake. An hour passed before one of the doctors popped his head in to tell me, “You tested positive for regular flu. You can leave.” I’ve never been so relieved at a flu diagnosis. But the drama continues. My airline, based in China with layovers all over China, called to say they were changing my reservation from February third to something more vague and open-ended. I mentioned I had a commitment on February sixth that I could not miss. “I will try for the afternoon of the same day,” she promised. She also promised to expedite my request to a supervisor. “I’ll have an answer in 24-48 hours,” she assured me. We’re now at about Hour 35 and worried. In 2005, the SARS epidemic had affected my first trip to Thailand when the final leg of my journey from Taipei to LA was cancelled. I made it home 24 hours later by booking a seat in business class for an additional $400. My other three trips to Thailand were much less eventful. I’m feeling much better, thanks.