Under Quarantine

On the way home, Nuch and I (along with everyone else on our plane) were temporarily placed under quarantine at the Narita airport. Although Swine Flu seems to be under control and not nearly as deadly as first feared, the Japanese are not taking any chances - especially with a plane full of Gaijin.

Fortunately, the initial threat of Swine Flu had already passed, otherwise this quarantine inspection could have been a frightening experience, as the plane was boarded by a team of about 20 very serious looking blue-garbed "scientists" with goggles, masks, and Ghost Buster-esque influenza ray guns.

In fact, most passengers were enjoying the novelty of being under quarantine and taking pictures of the Virologists and their fancy blue suits.


Eventually, the fun came to an end when the head scientist came on the intercom and asked everyone to stop taking pictures because it was interfering with the readings on their flu detector devices.

After checking our recent travel history and confirming that we were not demonstrating any flu-like symptoms, we received a document confirming that we were not carriers of Pandemic Influenza, and were allowed to disembark. I'm getting mine framed.

It was all a bit over-dramatic. I'm guessing it was just an excuse for the typically bored out their minds Narita Quarantine Station to wear their cool masks and suits and pretend they were Dustin Hoffman in Outbreak.