Quarantine Zones
Quarantine zones are areas established and controlled in order to limit the spread of a disease. Fictional quarantine zones may function like a disease colony in that those exposed or suffering from a disease are kept in the quarantine zones, or they may function as a haven to protect those unaffected from a greater infected world. Entry into, or exit from, a quarantine zone may be entirely prohibited, may require travel papers, or may require a health screen. Quarantine zones may have walls or moats surrounding them, guard towers, gatehouses, and medical clinics. Often in narratives escape from, or a sneaky entrance into, a quarantine zone is important so there may be hidden routes or secret passages into these areas. Quarantine zones are often depicted as being in disrepair, and damaged buildings may be common. Quarantine zones are home to the infected, raiders, survivors, and patient zero.
| Synonyms: QZs, restricted areas |
| Example Mythonyms: Greater Eastern Exclusionary Zone, the Deadlands |
Designing Fictional Quarantine Zones
Archetypes
Foundations
Overview
Consider what kind of area the zone covers. This may be an island, a section of a country, a rural area, or a city. This area type will determine what places are likely to be present within the confines of the territory.
Also consider the borders of the quarantine zone. If the zone was unplanned and happened naturally as a quick response to an outbreak, the borders may fall on difficult to cross terrain: rivers, mountain ranges, and canyons are examples.
Fictional quarantine zones are often depicted as places without strong central government oversight. As a result of this, buildings and infrastructure may have fallen into disrepair and there may be ruins scattered over the landscape. Given the infrastructural collapse, as well as other dangers, narratives often make use of alternative means of moving around the area. There may be subway tunnels, sewer systems, train tracks, or rooftop areas that serve as interesting locations to explore.
The people residing in quarantine zones may have developed their own form of government or system to organize themselves if the area is not predominantly lawless. There may be strange currencies in use based on what is needed or important to those in the zone. A black market may have arisen and a barter system may be in place. Resistances may have sprung up to challenge the authorities in power.
Masks, respirators, or other protective equipment may be necessary to travel through a quarantine zone without becoming sick or infected.
Quarantine zones can be used to explore themes of separation, isolation, and government control.
