Quarantine zones (synonyms: QZs, restricted areas; example toponyms: Greater Eastern Exclusionary Zone, The Deadlands) are areas established and controlled in order to limit the spread of a disease. Entry into, or exit from, a quarantine zone may be entirely prohibited, may require travel papers, or may require a health screen. These areas 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 the greater infected world. Quarantine zones may have walls or moats surrounding them, guard towers, gatehouses, and medical clinics. They may be subject to blockade. Often in narratives escape from or entrance into a quarantine zone is important and they may feature hidden routes. 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.

The people residing in quarantine zones may have developed their own form of government or system to organize themselves. 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. Transportation within a quarantine zone is often limited, and people moving through these areas may be forced to walk. Often underground tunnels, rooftops, and train tracks are used as a means of getting around.

When designing quarantine zones, consider what kind of area the zone covers. This may be an island, a section of a country, a rural area, or a city.

While many quarantine zones are set in post-apocalyptic or zombie-worlds, there is no reason a fantasy world can’t have its’ own version.

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.