Page 25 of Airborne
“Are any of you experiencing symptoms?” No one spoke up. Lucy smiled. “Good. You will hear this question repeatedly. If during your stay, you feel ill, contact one of the staff here immediately. Wear a mask and gloves at all times. Even in bed. We provide extrasin your assigned rooms. We are isolated here, but we are not alone. In addition to a complete medical staff, a psychologist is available to help you through the loneliness, depression, and mental fatigue. Quarantine can alter the mood of the strongest of people. If you need spiritual assistance, we have a chaplain. I repeat, you are not alone.”
“How will we hear about our friends and family at Jamaica Hospital?” a man said.
“Once the patients are evaluated and initially treated, I’ll receive the updates and contact you personally. You can access their information and condition anytime through me.”
“My husband died on the plane.” Catherine’s voice shook, and Heather held her hand. “What happens to his body?”
“If a person passes or has passed, I’ll notify you as soon as the ME makes the ruling.”
“How do we handle funeral or memorial services?” Catherine said. “Can you explain the procedure?”
Compassion filled Lacy’s features. “The bodies must be burned to avoid the spread of contagion. If a deceased’s family or loved one is in quarantine, appropriate services can be held once we are released.” Her gaze panned the crowd. “I regret the condition of many of your loved ones. Please accept my condolences.”
Catherine mumbled a thank-you. Sobs rose across the room.
“We are here to help. Don’t suffer alone. You’ll see many of us roaming around. We’re doctors, nurses, and CDC staff dedicated to making your stay as comfortable as possible. The New York National Guard is in place to keep us safe. From the looks of you, you’re exhausted. So let’s get you to your rooms, and we’ll sort out your concerns in the hours ahead. However, if you have critical questions, stay and I’ll do my best to provide answers.” She gestured to the rear of the room. “In the back are your escorts and your luggage. Families and married couples can exit now.”
Shortly thereafter, female escorts divided the women travelingalone into groups of six. The young woman Braden Taversty had accosted joined Heather’s group. For the first time, Heather noted multiple tattoos and ear piercings. The two women hadn’t spoken. Silence had a way of masking hurt.
Catherine also stood in Heather’s line. She hadn’t stayed behind to request grief counseling, but perhaps she’d schedule it after a few hours of sleep. They walked down a hallway with a white-haired woman dressed in blue scrubs. She stopped to open a door and flipped on a bright overhead light. Cold and uninviting.
The escort beckoned them inside. “Come in, ladies. My name is Doris. Find a bed and we’ll chat a little.”
Heather entered a dorm room—six beds with crisp white linens and blankets lined three to a wall. One side of the room had draperies pulled over windows. When the sun rose, they’d have a view of Adam’s Island and their surroundings. Heather was grateful for lighting over each bed and an outlet to charge devices. She chose the bed at the farthest end facing the window wall and set her suitcase and tote beside it.
“The staff share the same goal, to ensure your stay is in the best environment,” Doris said. “We even have earplugs if the gal next to you snores.” No one smiled at her attempt at humor. “The CDC medical team will be drawing blood later on today. While I encourage you to rest, be aware med techs will be in and out.
“Place your belongings inside the metal chest beside your bed. Note there are masks and nitrile gloves in the top drawer. As Lacy instructed, wear both at all times. Make sure you have a can of disinfectant spray. Take this to the bathroom and spray before and after each use. The smell isn’t as bad as others. Also use the spray after making your bed. If you run out, we have plenty. If you are hungry, thirsty, or require personal hygiene items, I will secure them for you. I won’t leave this room until I have your requests and answered your questions.”
She pointed to a phone attached to the wall beside the overheadlight switch. “The phone is for you to request help or speak to a CDC person. It can’t call outside the facility, but there is decent Wi-Fi connectivity here. Find me if you don’t have a mobile phone, and I’ll help you place a call. On your beds are plastic bags containing a towel and washcloth. Use the towel and washcloth once and seal them back into the plastic bag. These will be picked up, laundered, and clean ones provided each day. Inside a second plastic bag are shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, notepad, pen, and a marker for you to write your name on the outside of the bag. Just as your mama use to say, let no one use the items assigned to you. One of you may be infected, and we don’t want the virus to spread. If you’re ill or suspect someone else is, contact us immediately.”
“How long will we be here?” The lines fanning from Catherine’s eyes had deepened. Every former passenger looked terrible from the ordeal and lack of sleep.
“I have no idea.”
Catherine continued. “Are you saying we might be quarantined for days?”
“The period depends on CDC jurisdiction,” Doris said. “Truthfully, ma’am, they haven’t given us a time, and we are all sympathetic to your plight. I promise, as new information is released, we’ll pass it on. Right now, concentrate on settling in. Having one bathroom and shower for six women may be inconvenient.” Doris snorted. “What am I saying? Sharing a bathroom is a pain. We workers are in dorms, too, and the arrangement lacks privacy. But this is our hotel for the time being. Write your questions on the notepad provided. Include dietary and medical needs. Media will learn what is going on here, but they aren’t permitted on the island.”
“Has the virus broken out on any other planes?” the young woman said who’d been held hostage by Braden Taversty.
“Not to our knowledge.”
A chorus of relief spread through the women.
“Make friends with those who are here.” Doris pointed to the young woman, who’d taken residence opposite Heather’s bed. “Let’s begin with names and something brief about yourself. Mine is Doris in case you missed it the first time. And yours?”
“Tatum.” She turned to Heather. “I never thanked you for helping to save my life.”
Heather smiled. “Glad you’re okay.”
The next woman spoke. “Maria. My sister is at Jamaica Hospital.”
“Ada. I’m scared for all of us.”
“We understand.” Doris pointed to Heather.
“Heather. I was on my way to vacation in Salzburg.”
