A trip to Japan in the time of COVID-19
Yuriko and I traveled to Japan as this pandemic was breaking out from February 26th and returned March 5th. Ten days ago, we completed two weeks of self-quarantine after our return, we’re doing well. None of us are sick. The State Dept warning for Japan was level 1 and moved to 2 the day before we left. It was an interesting time to visit, but I needed to complete my 2019 Japanese taxes by March 15, so the timing was set back in January. It was a bizarre experience. People thought we were crazy to go into the danger of Japan before we left. But, while we were there, our hometown of Kirkland, WA because the epicenter of COVID-19 death in the US. We felt we were going into danger returning home. We saw Seattle’s and then the US' future. Schools closed while we were there. Gatherings of people, shows, sports events, etc. closed or reduced hours. Everyone wore masks. TP, hand cleaner, and masks were sold out due to hoarding. Still people met us for dinner and coffee. My f