コロナ禍で日本が突然国境を封鎖してから、２年近くが経過した。
渡航前後のPCR検査や、入国後の強制隔離、そして追跡調査。
完全な鎖国とまではいかなくとも、容易に往来することができなくなった。
2020年初め、ダイアモンド・プリンセス号がアジアに新型コロナを運んでいた時、
欧米は「対岸の火事」としか捉えていなかったのに、
それはあっという間に世界中を恐怖の底に陥れた。
当時は米国の水際対策も、決して緩いものではなかったけれど、
ワクチン政策と並行して、経済を止めない体制を強化するようになっていった。
新型コロナは、いまやパンデミックではなく、エンデミック。
新しい変異株が発見されては、また次の対応が求められていく。
2022年３月、ようやく日本の水際対策が緩和の方向に。
渡航前後にPCR陰性、かつワクチン３回接種者は、
街中で無症状のまま感染を広めている人々に比べたら、まだ安全という判断。
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英語対応を求められる空港の検疫関係スタッフは、ほとんどが外国人。
祖国に帰らず日本に残って働いている彼らの心境を思い図る。
世界は終わりのない航海を、いつまで続けていくのだろう。
雲の上で、人生の儚さを憂う時間が過ぎていく。
Nearly two years have passed since Japan abruptly closed its borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
PCR testing before and after travel, mandatory quarantine after entry, and follow-up investigations.
Even if the country is not entirely closed, it is no longer possible to easily travel to and from Japan.
In early 2020, when the Diamond Princess was carrying the new COVID-19 virus to Asia, the Western countries saw it as nothing more than a "fire on the other side of the river."
But it quickly struck fear into the hearts of the world.
At the time, U.S. waterfront measures were not exactly lax, but
in parallel with the vaccine policy, the government began to strengthen a system that would not stop the economy.
The new COVID-19 is now an "endemic," not a "pandemic."
As new mutant strains are discovered, another response is required.
In March 2022, Japan's waterfront measures finally began to ease.
Those who are PCR-negative before and after travel and who have received three doses of the vaccine are
The decision is that they are still safe compared to those spreading the infection asymptomatically in the streets.
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Most quarantine-related staff at airports, who must speak English, are non-Japanese.
I try to imagine their feelings as they remain and work in Japan instead of returning to their home countries.
How long will the world continue its endless voyage?
Time passes above the clouds as I ponder the fleeting nature of life.
