CRESTLINE — A Crestline couple who were passengers on the Grand Princess cruise ship with passengers infected with the novel Coronavirus are safely back on land, but still under restrictions – and quarantine.
Dr. John and Kathie Fuson are now at the Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. In a small apartment surrounded by a guarded chain link fence. Meals delivered by crews wearing full protective suits. And anxiously awaiting their expected release March 23.
“Overall, most people understand what’s going on and just suck it up,” said John, who had a longtime dental practice in Bucyrus before he and his wife retired four years ago. “It’s what you have to do.”
The Fusons arrived there by charter plane March 11, along with about 90 other passengers from the Grand Princess. The ship had been circling the California coast under a two-week quarantine after 21 people on board tested positive for the virus, finally docking in Oakland Monday.
During that time, Kathie said, the once crowded vessel originally headed for Ensenada, Mexico suddenly became desolate. Food trays were delivered three times a day by a tap on the door. But room service was available around the clock, with extra lines added due to the increased demand. And counseling lines were also set up.
Fortunately, she said, their cabin on deck 11 had a balcony so they could go out for fresh air. Activity packets, with things like cards and Sudoku puzzles, were provided to guests daily.
“It helped break up the monotony of the day,” Kathie said, “because you’re in the equivalent of a small hotel room.”
Once the ship docked in Oakland, all 3,500 people stuck on board were processed by teams wearing Hazmat type suits. From the get-go, Kathie said, she was impressed with how the cruise line, its employees, the CDC and the U.S. government responded to the crisis at sea.
“From the moment it was clear to both of us that the U.S. government’s top priority was our welfare,” Kathie said. “It was incredible the response. The officials in charge took charge and they walked us through the process. It was impressive.”
Crew members on their charter aircraft also donned full protective gear, Kathie said.
“It’s been surreal at times. The whole thing has felt bigger than me,” she said. “It’s uncomfortable, but more of an inconvenience to others unlike us who have to go back to work.”
Their modest quarters at the military base have outside access similar to a motel, she said, but they’re required to wear a face mask if they venture outdoors and abide by the six-foot safety rule. They have a small kitchen, sitting room, bedroom and walk-in closet.
Meals are delivered daily, along with snacks and plenty of bottled water, Kathie said. Laundry is also picked up and delivered. On a typical day, the Fusons play cards, work crossword puzzles, read books on their iPads and talk and text with their four children and grandchildren.
Naturally, they keep up with the latest news about the pandemic on television and while John views the last few weeks as an adventure of a different kind, they both stressed the importance of reducing the spread of COVID-19 both in this country and around the world.
“Being on the inside looking out it just makes you understand the importance of being quarantined and keeping families safe,” Kathie said.