A VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATION
OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
WHO PROVIDE MEDICAL CARE
IN A DISASTER ON REQUEST.
IN 2020, DEALING WITH EPIDEMICS
WASN'T THEIR RESPONSIBILITY.
A DOCUDRAMA INSPIRED BY TRUE EVENTS.
3:45 A.M., FEBRUARY 2020
YOKOHAMA, JAPAN
No passengers can leave
their cabins for two weeks.
For two weeks!
We don't know who's infected.
Sir, please remain in your cabin.
The Diamond Princess is
anchored off Yokohama port
with approximately 3,000 on board.
The Ministry of Health
screened passengers to see
if they have the SARS-like virus
that emerged in China.
The Diamond Princess cruise ship
left Yokohama on January 20th.
A passenger who disembarked
on the 25th in Hong Kong
tested positive for the new coronavirus...
Hello?
Dr. Yuki?
Yes, that's me...
DMAT support is requested.
May I ask who's speaking?
Hirasawa from Kanagawa Prefectural Office.
I'm calling about the Diamond Princess
cruise ship in Yokohama.
What about it?
Some passengers tested positive
for the new coronavirus.
The one that's in China?
Contact the local health office...
We've set up an Incident Command Center
and you're the DMAT commander.
But...
the DMAT only provides medical
assistance in natural disasters.
This is outside our expertise.
The Yokohama City Health Administration...
We contacted them
but they won't cooperate.
We decided to ask for your help.
We'll have a strategy meeting
at 8 a.m. tomorrow.
Report to the prefectural office,
fourth floor.
Hello?
Thanks, Sendo.
We only transport patients from the port?
You won't go on board. That's the deal.
Which hospitals will take patients?
We haven't found any yet.
No one wants to take them.
Yes, who would?
I'll set up our command post and stand by.
Thanks.
I finished the night shift so I can go.
Yes, I see.
Okay, I'll be there.
Can I play games, Dad?
It's so early!
It's not!
Thirty minutes.
No, I'll do it for an hour.
Hey...
We know nothing about this virus.
Will you be okay?
They're understaffed.
Many doctors turned them down.
You could do the same.
But you won't...
Of course you'll go.
Don't tell Mio.
Her classmates can't know about this.
Please sit over there.
Okay.
A Disaster Declaration? Is he serious?
That will make our prefecture
the epicenter.
The Governor has decided.
Tatematsu, Health Ministry.
I'm Hirasawa from Crisis Management.
The virus is spreading very fast in China.
Please make sure it doesn't enter Japan.
How will patients be transported?
The City Fire Department is in charge.
And how many ambulances?
There are 41 infected passengers.
We're working out those details.
We're in the middle of negotiations now.
How many beds have been secured?
We've informed
all the local medical facilities.
We're working on securing
as many beds as we can.
So it's doable?
Yes.
It will be difficult.
All available beds in infectious
disease wards were occupied last night.
Excuse me, but who are you?
I'm Dr. Yuki, Kanagawa DMAT's Commander.
The 41 passengers
haven't been transported yet.
Dr. Yuki, we're negotiating now...
No one's willing to help.
Hospitals would have to shut down
if they were an outbreak epicenter.
The Fire Department said
there are 100 ambulances in the city.
They can give us two.
It's expected.
- Pass this to Dr. Yuki.
- Okay.
Here.
HIDEHARU YUKI
I've contacted major hospitals
in nearby prefectures
and secured 48 beds.
The Self-Defense Forces
and private ambulance services
will transport them.
Dr. Yuki,
I have a favor to ask you.
I want the DMAT team to board the ship.
Sorry?
There are only three ship doctors
on board.
We have 41 cases
that require medical attention.
That wasn't the deal!
My guys won't go on a ship
with a mystery virus.
I'm aware that it is not DMAT's specialty.
But no unit in Japan is equipped for this.
Someone has to do it.
Do you need to go to the site, Dr. Yuki?
People are dying in China,
so I need to speak to my team.
Local health centers aren't reliable
so I called in
the Kanto Infection Control Society.
It should be okay.
Are they reluctant?
Not exactly, but they're apprehensive.
Some have never worn protective gear.
Hello.
How are you doing?
Hello.
Sanada.
Dr. Yuki, it's been a while.
I bet your wife
doesn't want you to go on board.
She knows nothing would stop me.
Put your own safety first, okay?
Sure.
Anything new, Ueno?
Yes.
What is it?
The DMAT is going on board.
D... what?
It's a medical team
that operates during disasters.
Age 65, with a fever
of 40 degrees Celsius overnight.
Flu medicine has no effect.
I'll touch your neck.
A 39.5-degree fever.
Stethoscope.
Okay.
- His breathing is heavy.
- Since this morning.
He was tested?
No results yet.
- 86% O2 sat.
- He needs oxygen.
Okay.
We're using the dining room as a post
and we've started treating
the sick passengers.
Let me tell you, Yuki.
This is bad.
How is it bad, Sendo?
Over 100 passengers have
a fever of 38 degrees.
One hundred passengers?
How's that possible?
They've been isolated since
the ship was advised about the virus...
But it took two days
for the Quarantine unit to act.
For two days, the passengers ate
and drank in the dining room
and partied until late.
Quarantine was slow.
It's already spread.
What will we do now?
Patients with milder symptoms should wait.
Eh?
I was really surprised.
What was it we ate?
Last night, we ate roast beef.
No, we ate fish that upset you.
She looks okay.
She couldn't taste the food
and called the doctor.
Are you doctors?
Are you reliable?
Cure her then, she's sick.
Your wife is okay.
But...
Doesn't anyone speak French around here?
Shouldn't we deal
with all positive passengers?
Once they're gone,
you can focus on your job.
It's easier said than done.
There are language issues.
It takes an hour to get one person off.
It will take all night
to get 41 patients off.
Older patients might die in the meantime.
Some passengers who tested positive
are asymptomatic.
Sick passengers
who tested negative could go first.
The Health Ministry wants to
isolate positive patients.
That's why they secured 48 beds!
We can't prioritize passengers
who tested negative.
Our purpose isn't to
make the Health Ministry happy.
Make sure the virus doesn't enter Japan.
Amid an outcry for testing all
passengers to prevent an outbreak,
three hours have passed since
the physicians boarded the ship.
The virus might have spread further.
What's happening on the ship now?
It's me.
You're right.
Your plan makes sense.
The Ministry?
Who cares about them?
That's the Yuki I know.
I knew you were right all along.
All they care about is
containing the virus.
We learned from our mistake
but they haven't.
Not everyone will understand this.
Do they have to?
Go and do it now.
Roger.
Category One is the highest risk group.
It's not just passengers
who tested positive for the virus.
It's anyone whose life is at risk,
including those
with underlying health issues.
Category Two is the next risk group.
The elderly, pregnant women,
children, etc.
Anyone who tested positive
with severe symptoms is in Category One,
but if the symptoms are mild,
they'll be in Category Three.
Those in the lowest-risk group
will wait in their cabins.
That's it from me.
The protocol is to evacuate
those who test positive!
Yes, they're the priority.
Inform Rachel Hart on Caribe Deck
to get ready to disembark.
- Dr. Nishi, can you go to Nicolas?
- Sure.
He's on Baja Deck, Room 652.
- I understand.
- Good luck.
Many passengers on board are waiting
to be tested or to disembark as we speak.
What's taking them so long?
Test the passengers, and those
who are positive go to hospital.
It's simple.
Like you said, it's getting exciting.
It's just begun.
Is there something you're not telling me?
They'll run out of water.
What? I need more explanation!
Traveling alone.
Clear.
That's it.
We're returning on board.
- You good?
- Yes.
All severely ill patients, admitted.
Good. Thank you.
But we still have people with fevers?
Yes.
How many positive results?
Over 50 percent.
Damn!
Testing is useless then.
One out of two potential cases
must be infected.
Yes.
The ship's "leaving for open sea"?
What for?
We process water once every three days.
The discharge has to be done offshore.
The ship won't return to the dock
for 24 hours.
They'll sail even though dozens on board
have a fever?
Yes.
Some are still waiting to be transported.
If they can discharge and replenish
the water in 24 hours,
it will be okay.
Back in March 2011
when...
we had the atomic emergency in Fukushima,
there was a radiation risk.
People near the power plant
had to evacuate.
Right.
Remember Hibari Hospital?
I've heard of it.
Many inpatients were old.
We helped them evacuate as advised
and Sendo stood by
at the designated refuge.
The bus full of elderly patients
traveled all night,
taking detours due to roadblocks.
The next morning...
the buses arrived and when Sendo got on...
We're here!
Older patients had died in their seats.
Forty-five patients had died in all.
Radiation didn't k*ll them.
It was the cold, their ailments,
and fatigue.
Infectious disease specialists
focus on containing the virus.
The passengers' lives are secondary.
It's the same for you people.
But for us,
we prioritize lives.
If the ship goes offshore,
someone will die.
Talk about great timing! How's it going?
Good. Other stations are here, too.
Have you secured a good position?
Of course.
We have 65 new positive cases
this morning!
There's no time for paperwork!
Patients have to go through
the legal formalities.
Are you being serious?
So before a patient
goes to a hospital in Chiba,
a Chiba official has to visit him
to sign him off?
That's how it goes.
That's 65 patients. How long will it take?
Up to a week?
A week?
And you want them to disembark by noon!
A bureaucrat can't advise someone
to break a rule.
How about just tweaking it,
if not breaking it?
Sorry?
When it comes to coronavirus,
forget about protocol.
Can't you do that?
It took you just one night to secure
41 beds and transport.
Piece of cake, right?
Leonard Brown, male, 72, American.
Coughing since 10 p.m.
A 39.6-degree fever
and he has difficulty talking.
Test results?
We're waiting, but he must be positive.
Let's hurry.
Yes.
LEAVING PORT AT 12 NOON
PASSENGERS' REQUESTS FOR MEDICATION:
1,000 UNMERequests for medicine.
There are 2,000.
We can't process them all at once.
If it's just hip pain,
they'll have to wait.
Get ready for complaints.
What?
Take Sakura Kawamura for example.
She'll die without insulin
even if she doesn't get the virus.
Can I have a banana, Mom?
Sure.
Wait!
Wash your hands first.
Sorry...
Wash your hands then enjoy your banana.
Like this. Can you do that?
Okay, good.
Any history of respiratory diseases?
This is going nowhere.
The cruise operator agreed
to delay departure until 5 p.m.
I wish we could stop them from going.
Sorry.
We'll do what we can.
Thanks.
I'm here.
They don't understand us...
Please come in, Ms. Hatori.
Should I come in?
Yes, come on.
Yes.
I understand.
More... We're losing him.
This is the maximum.
Get a wheelchair.
Takano, you stay with Barbara.
The paperwork's complete.
Can you admit the patients?
Great, thank you.
It's authorized?
Some health officials work fast!
Not exactly.
What?
I was bluffing.
All hell will break loose tomorrow.
But Tatematsu...
Soon we'll be able to do the paperwork
retrospectively.
Your idea made sense, Dr. Yuki.
So I'm employing it
with some modifications.
I need to buy time
until the protocol is reviewed.
It's necessary in this emergency.
Dr. Yuki.
Believe it or not, I became
a bureaucrat to serve people.
Ready? Here we go.
Put your legs down.
Hold onto my shoulders.
On three.
One, two, three.
I'm putting him in the chair.
Okay, let's go.
We did it...
Everyone who tested positive
has disembarked.
How about the medicine?
Coming!
Yes.
Sorry, it took so long.
Thank God!
I only had enough for four days.
This will save me!
Thank God!
I only had enough for four days.
Kaito!
Thank you so much!
Have a nice day.
ALL 65 TRANSPORTED
The Diamond Princess
is leaving the port...
MEDICATION DISTRIBUTED
despite the outbreak of coronavirus
on board.
Our reporter Ueno is there
to explain the situation.
It's past 6 p.m.
The ship has departed,
six hours later than planned.
Sixty-five passengers with the virus
and others with health issues
were transported to eight hospitals.
Out of 2,000 requests for medication,
only high-risk passengers received theirs.
It's beautiful...
Yes.
You'd never imagine
the situation on board.
The Diamond Princess has returned to port
after pumping and dumping water offshore.
Three thousand people remain on board,
waiting anxiously in isolation.
Some say that progress is slow.
Passengers wrote a petition
about their bad conditions.
After a while, my down comforter was
damp and no longer fluffy.
I love him.
It's unhealthy.
Good morning.
Many passengers are still waiting
for their medication.
That includes my wife...
and also
the steak is too tough for elderly people!
You were right, Dr. Yuki.
Sorry?
You said passengers with mild symptoms
would complain.
The healthy ones like to complain.
I hope the media doesn't stir things up.
WHERE'S MY MEDICINE?
Some passengers have
very ill family members.
They're the ones who concern me.
Hello!
Yes.
- What's wrong?
- I need to get to the balcony.
- Go ahead.
- Thank you.
There is nothing we can do.
Can't you call the hospital?
They only talk to medical workers.
We're busy with the passengers
who have severe symptoms.
Our priority is to get them to
a hospital as soon as we can.
Breaking news.
A quarantine official on the cruise ship
has the virus.
He's the first case
among the relief workers.
The official boarded the ship
before the passengers were isolated?
Yes...
He didn't take precautions
when he boarded the ship.
If one of us gets infected,
the media will call us amateurs.
Get serious.
I am.
What's more important?
Our lives or the media's opinion?
Just be careful.
He needs to be transported.
Takano arranged it.
What's wrong, Takano? Are you okay?
Uh... sorry.
You're worried about Barbara, aren't you?
Yes...
She blames herself
for persuading her husband
to join the cruise.
Sorry, I lost my focus.
I'll talk to Dr. Sendo.
Dr. Sanada told me about Barbara.
The Quarantine are also opposed.
They said it was impossible.
They would say that.
Don't you realize how hard it is
for those left behind?
Yes, I realize that they must be worried
but our priority is to protect lives...
If you won't let her disembark,
can you call the hospital?
I didn't say she can't.
We're trying to find a way to get her off.
Can you wait?
When will you know?
I can't say.
Dr. Sasaki agreed
to be on pharmacy duty tonight.
Great.
What? What do you mean?
We're very sorry,
but the Kanto Infection Control Society
has decided to withdraw from the ship.
Withdraw?
They came and told me the same thing.
It's dangerous, so they'll pull out.
That's great.
Our medical crew has
adequate protection, right?
Adequate?
Do you think I know how to tackle
a new virus?
Does the idea amuse you?
Maybe we should pull out, too!
What's wrong?
You ask me questions about safety
when you're not here!
I don't have the answer.
We're honestly afraid of contagion.
We're protected,
but a patient's cough spreads particles.
We're on the front line!
One more thing.
A passenger wants to
join her husband at the hospital.
How did you respond?
I said that she could.
Was that wrong?
No.
It's okay.
By any means possible.
That's the DMAT's credo!
You always tell us that,
and I love hearing it.
Dr. Sendo!
You're trying to release a passenger
that's not approved by Quarantine.
You mean, Barbara? That's right.
That's outrageous!
The DMAT's on-site commander
knows better than that!
- I requested it...
- Stay out of it.
In a disaster,
you have to think outside the box
and take actions.
Dr. Sendo, sorry to interrupt,
but Dr. Yuki is calling you.
I'm speaking to a quarantine official.
I'll call him back.
I'll tell him.
Disaster or not, rules are rules!
Right.
We'd have conferred with you
once preparations had begun.
- Dr. Sendo.
- Yes?
Dr. Yuki wants to talk
to the quarantine official.
What?
Why complicate things?
The DMAT Incident Commander would like
to speak to you, Mr. Tajima.
Is that okay?
I don't see why not...
Go ahead.
There's no way you can let her leave
without our permission.
What are you thinking?
There's no way?
Are you sure about that?
Sorry?
She's in a foreign land.
In this mess.
She can't be with her husband
of many years, who might die.
And there's no way...?
Those considerations aren't
up to Quarantine.
Then who is it up to?
This is an outbreak
of an infectious disease.
It is not an issue for DMAT.
I decided that it is an issue
for us to deal with anyway.
You know why?
Because that's the humane thing to do.
That's what this is.
You asked me what I was thinking.
I was thinking
about the most humane option.
Please permit Barbra Brown to disembark.
Mr. Tajima.
The Browns are US citizens.
This might develop into
an international problem.
You wouldn't want that.
Tell them that the DMAT insisted.
You'll take responsibility?
If you assure me
that the virus is contained,
I'll make a special arrangement.
Can you?
Takano will go, too.
He's one of us.
He's a young and capable nurse.
He'll accompany Barbara
to her husband's hospital.
Is that okay, Dr. Sanada?
That's fine.
- Why do we gotta wait here?
- Well...
- Heard there's something big.
- That again?
Someone's disembarking. Get a close-up!
Okay.
Is it about Barbara?
She got a false negative result,
so she had to go to the hospital.
That's what I told the Ministry.
That will save my a*s!
- You okay with it?
- I thought it was rational.
She was in close contact with someone
who tested positive.
Maybe we should handle
all family members this way.
Go ahead.
- Your dinner is here.
- Coming.
Thank you.
Where's your boy?
He's asleep after fretting about
not being allowed outside.
Give him these.
How kind...
You must have your own troubles.
You have miso soup tonight!
Thank you.
- Mr. Takano.
- Yes.
You should read this.
Did you know Dr. Sanada
has a daughter in 4th grade?
Nurse Nagai's girl
just turned three last month...
I'm not married, but they are.
They had to have resolve to be here.
I know we fall short,
but please know that
we're doing all we can.
I'm sorry I insisted.
It's okay.
I'm grateful to you
as well as the passengers.
If you don't mind,
can you show everyone that text?
It will perk them up.
We're simple people.
Sure.
I'M ON THE DIAMOND PRINCESS.
WHY DOESN'T THE MEDIA TELL THE TRUTH?
SAKURA.
Everyone can go on the promenade decks
for fresh air.
Great.
What's this?
It's compliments of the ship crew.
This is good!
Dr. Sendo.
It's Dr. Yuki.
Hello.
Sendo.
I know you're busy, but...
What's up now?
Well...
Listen.
I mean...
About the DMAT being on the ship...
I think we have no choice but to remain.
What?
I mean...
I think
it would be bad if we pulled out now.
Actually, it's not that it's bad...
You know...
We should remain
because it's a mess.
Wait, what's funny?
Come on, Yuki.
I don't need any persuasion.
Huh?
I've never had second thoughts
since the day you called me.
- But you were...
- I was upset.
You ranted about the media
and the Ministry
but they are irrelevant to us.
I just wanted you to deal with them.
Wow...
You're so tough.
Huh?
Keep it up.
Okay.
Take care of yourself.
Dr. Yuki.
Two organizations will help us with
infection control.
Fantastic! I'm very grateful.
Dr. Yuki.
Thank you!
WHY DOESN'T THE MEDIA TELL THE TRUTH?
THE MEDIA EXAGGERATES
ABOUT THE COMPLAINTS.
THEY NITPICK
IN A LIFE-OR-DEATH SITUATION.
Ueno!
Have you seen them? You got lucky!
Huh?
You haven't seen them?
A doctor who was on the ship
has posted expos videos.
DIAMOND PRINCESS, DOCTOR
HOW I WAS REMOVED
FROM THE SHIP IN ONE DAY.
I'm Dr. Rokugo,
an infectious disease specialist.
I boarded the Diamond Princess
and I got kicked off that same day.
Let me tell you how all of that went down.
I spoke to the DMAT commander
when I got on the ship.
He told me to go
about my usual operations.
I did as he said
and I inspected and identified
issues on the ship.
Let me tell you what I found.
It was completely inadequate.
I was so scared.
Normally, there is a virus-free zone
and one that's possibly contaminated.
We keep these zones separate.
Any infectious disease specialist
knows it's vital.
But it was completely chaotic.
There was no distinction.
Moreover,
there are no infectious disease
specialists on board.
Just Health Ministry bureaucrats.
So I spoke to the one who was in charge
but he grimaced and said
that he had no time for me.
The next thing I knew,
I was kicked off the ship.
I'm not blaming the DMAT at all.
They're not infectious disease experts.
But when they get off the ship,
they'll go back to their hospitals
to work.
There's a danger of the virus
spreading from there.
This operation is botched,
and if they hide it,
it will only get worse.
I posted this video so everyone will know
how bad the situation is
and so that people can work safely inside.
They have my deepest sympathies.
This is Dr. Rokugo signing off.
That's what Dr. Rokugo says.
Any comment, sir?
The crew members go between rooms
carrying meals for the passengers.
And then the DMAT doctors come out
of that environment.
They might bring the virus
to the hospitals where they work.
I see.
I want to hear from the DMAT.
Dr. Sendo is in charge on-site.
Then there's Dr. Yuki
at the Kanagawa Prefectural Office.
Why not set up an interview
with the one on the ship?
He'll decline my phone call.
I'll wait for him to disembark.
Okay, thank you for calling.
Don't apologize, Dr. Nishi.
It's not your fault.
Goodbye.
He canceled too?
Yes, sir.
Hospitals are getting calls
about our doctors.
Twenty of us have dropped out.
What have I done that requires an apology?
People are calling us
after seeing the videos.
They want to know
if our doctors were on the ship.
Stay near me
and keep your head down, okay?
Hi, Nagai. Isn't it your day off?
I'm afraid I won't be able to
come back tomorrow.
What's wrong?
Daycare said they won't
take my child so I can't go to work.
Don't worry about work.
How about you? Are you okay?
It's the other parents
who are complaining.
If my child goes,
they'll keep their kids at home.
How do they know that
you were on the ship?
From the TV.
I was on the news.
One of the kids
pointed me out, "That's Ayano's mom!"
One nurse was called a "germ"
by his colleague.
They won't work with him.
What the hell?
The Institute of Infectious Diseases
called about the RT-PCR test results.
Why tell me?
One of your nurses,
Uchiyama, was positive.
Uchiyama...
He came aboard five days ago. How is he?
He just has a fever.
Can you contact him?
Sure.
This is bad.
The media will jump on this.
Hey, Ueno. So a DMAT nurse got infected?
Yes.
Go and interview a patient
at his hospital.
A coronavirus patient?
No, just a regular patient.
Someone on the nurse's ward!
You wouldn't like it if your nurse
had coronavirus!
It's a scoop!
Indemnity coverage? But they volunteered!
Why should the Health Ministry cover them?
We asked the DMAT to go on the ship.
Some are saying that we shouldn't have
got volunteer doctors to do the job.
The Prime Minister's Office
probably decided
volunteers are dispensable,
so just follow suit.
A DMAT MEMBER IS INFECTED.
PROTECTION PROTOCOL QUESTIONED
How many of us are still on board?
We lost five out of seven teams.
How many positive patients?
Seventy today.
That's still a lot.
More hospitals are taking patients
and now we know
which hospitals will cooperate.
Your crew on the ship is the concern.
Thank you.
Can I step out for a while?
No problem.
I'll be at Yokohama port.
Clear.
Dr. Sanada!
Dr. Sanada.
A man in room 544 on Aloha Deck
has been waiting for two hours.
I'll get him.
You two take this patient
to the exit, please.
- Here.
- Yes.
He's on his way.
INFECTED DMAT NURSE ON b*llet TRAIN.
NOZOMI #43.
WHAT CAR? I WAS ON THE TRAIN.
A CLASSMATE'S PARENT IS A DOCTOR
ON DIAMOND PRINCESS.
sh*t!
YOU'RE IN TROUBLE.
DON'T SPREAD THE VIRUS.
ARE YOU EATING?
Number 23 tested positive,
so arrange his transport.
Right away.
Dr. Yuki!
Hey!
What a day! What a horrible ordeal!
What was?
You lost workers because of the videos.
But you still managed to
transport 70 patients!
That sounds good.
So things will work out
by the end of the day.
Yes.
By the way,
did Central TV call you
about an interview?
Yes. They want to talk about the videos.
I declined.
Right.
Yes... It makes sense. I will, too.
What is it?
Why won't you talk to them?
We should make a counterargument.
Dr. Rokugo misrepresented the facts.
The facts...
There's no time to address his claims.
His videos are sabotaging
our rescue operation
and people should know that!
With less workers, someone might die.
We will not counter his claims.
See you later.
Okay.
I agree with Sendo.
We should focus on the patients,
not the videos.
Who's thinking about my family?
Dr. Yuki.
What about the DMAT members' families?
I asked my wife not to tell anyone.
Not her friends or even her parents.
I might be afraid of catching coronavirus,
but it's not my main concern.
What I fear is
the possibility
that my family faces discrimination.
What if my child
at school...
gets called a "germ"?
The thought of it...
is unbearable.
Okay, thank you.
Tatematsu here.
Three Filipino crew members have a fever.
Three foreigners...
No one will want to admit them.
If possible, they should be together.
That's even harder.
Are hospitals worried about getting paid?
Can't the Health Ministry guarantee
they'll get paid?
Can't hospitals relax
the nurse-to-patient ratios
during the coronavirus crisis?
I'll try, and if it doesn't work,
I'll get tough.
Thank you.
Are you okay?
Huh?
You've never thanked me before.
Well I...
The passengers...
They've got people worried.
They're going through a tough time
but the crew is looking after them.
And we are too.
Not only that,
the public is concerned about them.
Right.
But...
how about the crew and us?
Who's looking after us?
I want to make sure we're okay.
I've got to call some hospitals now.
Good luck.
Not many patients were
transported today...
The shortage of doctors
is hindering progress.
Dr. Yuki.
I'll call a taxi.
I'll walk. No taxi will pick me up.
Good night.
Get ready to roll.
Can we speak, Dr. Yuki?
Are you with DMAT?
I'm Ueno from Central TV.
I won't speak to the media.
Is that because the situation is bad?
That's not it.
I don't want you to misconstrue
what I say.
Then I'd have to get you to correct it.
We have no time for that.
I understand that you're busy.
With the virus spreading on the ship.
Sorry to bother you.
Are you enjoying this?
Or are you
doing this out of concern
for everyone on board?
Our thoughts are very much
with those on board.
What's going on?
Two Diamond Princess passengers
are confirmed dead.
They died in the hospital.
When many people are in a confined space,
a virus can spread very easily.
What...?
She makes it sound like
we squeezed them in one room...
HUNAN CITY HOSPITAL
different measures
could have been taken.
I'll read some of the criticisms
that have been made overseas.
"The Japanese government's response to
this crisis could not have been worse."
- That's harsh.
- It's probably deserved...
Some nurses said they'll quit if we keep
admitting coronavirus patients.
It's not just one nurse...
That's troublesome.
Let me remind you.
We have six beds
for infectious disease cases
but we admitted 20
because you bent the rules.
That happened
with the consent of all the members.
You made it so we could hardly oppose!
Let's move on, Dr. Kagami, shall we?
The patients you keep sending us
from the cruise ship
are making our staff anxious.
Do you understand?
They can quit.
Pardon?
If these patients make them anxious,
they might as well quit!
Dr. Yuki, please...
It's not about quitting this job...
They shouldn't be in healthcare.
Dr. Yuki.
Do you know what you're saying?
Yes.
I'm saying what's obvious.
Dr. Yuki,
and Dr. Kagami.
Please try to maintain your composure.
My apologies.
But...
caring for coronavirus patients
is the basic duty of
any healthcare professional.
That's what healthcare is about!
I'm sorry that it got the attention
of the media circus.
But if we quit now,
how can we save the people on the ship?
I beg you to continue
giving us your support.
You must be tired.
Tatematsu.
You caught me...
Good morning.
- Hey.
- What now?
I made a stupid mistake.
This dumb hospital executive
grilled me so...
You gave it to him?
Big time.
If they stopped cooperating,
we'd be in trouble.
The Director tried to protect me,
so I feel worse.
I'm sorry, Tatematsu...
I guess we'll have to depend on you
even more.
Oh, uh...
Sure.
Good morning.
How's it going, Mr. Hirasawa?
No luck yet?
Some hotels agreed to take the passengers
but their staff and communities
are opposed.
Is it necessary to secure accommodation?
The Health Minister said that
passengers who tested negative
and have no symptoms will
disembark tomorrow.
The passengers have been in isolation
for 14 days.
There's little chance of them
transmitting the virus
off the ship.
The risk lies with
those who shared cabins with the patients.
We'll isolate anyone
who was in close contact for 14 days.
Can they remain on the cruise ship?
Only if there are no options.
But...
they're pushed to the edge.
They could be suicidal.
A new angle?
Are you kidding? Two patients are dead.
They died after they went to the hospital,
so we can't blame the doctors on the ship.
Who cares?
Make sure you're there
when the elderly disembark.
If they take detours on the way home,
we've got a story.
You want them in quarantine?
They've just left quarantine!
That's how the news media works!
If we say, "The government's doing well!"
"There's nothing to worry about."
No one will watch the news.
If you won't go, I'll send someone else.
I'll go to the port.
- It's a new hospital.
- With 400 beds? Amazing!
It's in Aichi. That's quite far.
How else will we get a hospital
with unlimited beds?
It's Fujita Medical University Hospital.
Thank you, Chairman. Tatematsu speaking.
Well, sir...
I know you are dealing
with negative opinions.
I felt compelled to offer you help.
You're letting us use the entire hospital!
I hate to say this but I still
have to do some convincing.
What?
We haven't opened yet
and we're still hiring staff.
I'm not sure if they'll like my plan.
If I can't get them to agree,
I'll owe you an apology.
No apology necessary. We're so grateful.
Thank you.
That's the power of the Ministry!
You're the man, Tatematsu.
Let's start preparing.
Dr. Sendo wants to speak with you,
Dr. Yuki.
Have you found more beds?
We may have a new hospital
run by a university in Aichi.
Wow, that's so generous!
We're standing by.
Yes.
Sendo.
What?
Are you guys okay there?
Why not?
The TV has made us out to be villains.
How are the guys taking it?
Who gives a damn?
Our team was set up for times like this.
This is what we exist for.
Forget the pettiness
and do your job, Yuki!
You're right, I've got to go.
You have a visitor, Dr. Yuki.
Ms. Ueno from Central TV.
She has no appointment...
She's downstairs.
Ueno...
Tell her that I'm unavailable.
I know the media is annoying but be nice.
I will.
Ms. Ueno!
Dr. Yuki.
Sorry, I changed my mind.
Can we talk?
Sure.
Let me be clear...
I don't want to be interviewed.
I see.
So what's this about?
Can I ask a favor?
You want to ask me a favor? What is it?
We'll be transporting close contacts
very soon.
It will involve
the Self-Defense Forces and the police.
We heard about that.
It will be a newsworthy event
for the media.
But I'd appreciate it
if you didn't go after them.
If the identities of those on the ship
were revealed,
they'd be hounded.
After they spend time in isolation,
they can go home and live ordinary lives.
Do them a favor.
Don't destroy it for them.
I hope you understand.
Dr. Yuki!
Can I ask you a personal question?
Don't worry, it's off the record.
You don't have to answer.
Go ahead.
Maybe it's too soon to ask you this but...
If you faced
this emergency again...
would you do things the same way?
America's CDC agency
deals with these diseases
but we don't have the same here.
It would take days to implement
the ideal infection control
before medical care is given.
Some passengers would have died
in the meantime.
Our situation
might've been compromised
but my priority was to provide healthcare
for 3,700 scared people
as soon as possible.
We had limited options
and I believe we made the best choice.
I see.
Did that answer your question?
It sure did.
Thank you.
- Is that so?
- Yes.
It's good for now.
Fujita Hospital just called.
Their staff has agreed.
Thank God for that!
This is incredible!
They're understandably anxious
about this mysterious virus.
Some of the locals were protesting...
Kudos to them for making a quick decision.
Can you inform Sendo?
Okay.
The Self-Defense Forces are providing
two buses.
One's for positive patients
who have mild or no symptoms.
Another bus is for families
who were in contact
but tested negative.
- Question!
- Yes.
How about language issues?
It's okay, the crew will brief them.
A bus for patients, a van for the team.
A family bus and a toilet van.
Multiple vehicles to prevent contagion
and to avoid media attention.
We don't want them to be exposed.
We'll depart at 6 p.m. Let's do it.
Yes!
DISASTER RESPONSE
You had to go?
I feel responsible...
A younger colleague is on the next trip.
Be careful.
I will.
It's a five-hour drive to the hospital.
Let's go.
Damn, I can't see inside the bus.
Should we follow them in the van
or on a motorcycle?
- No.
- What?
We won't go after them.
I'll tell the newsroom
when they arrive safely.
They're almost there.
Yes.
We're getting on the bus!
Go ahead.
It's her, right here!
She vomited ten minutes ago. 38 degrees.
Thank you.
We're here, madam.
Ms. Hatori's here.
Is it difficult to breathe?
Can you ask if she gets motion sickness?
I'll check her blood pressure.
Let me listen to your chest.
She has rales.
- Oxygen saturation is 81 percent.
- No!
- It might be pneumonia.
- Recline her seat.
- Go, Takano.
- Take this.
- How is he?
- Rapid breathing.
Let me hear your chest.
Takano.
- I'll take over.
- Thanks.
I thought someone might need care,
but not three!
Is there a hospital nearby?
The Health Ministry has contacted some.
It's almost midnight...
Is there a hospital that can take
three patients?
If not, it will take hours
to get them all admitted.
Right.
I think that's the right thing to do.
We'll stick to our original plan.
You told us they were mild cases,
Dr. Yuki.
I'm very sorry.
This hospital was just built!
So we're not fully equipped.
We had to borrow sheets!
Make sure the gaps are sealed.
Okay.
It's crazy to bring in
three severely ill patients!
I'm sorry.
The DMAT team will come and help out.
I appreciate your cooperation.
They should hurry up.
The buses are here!
Any more wheelchairs and stretchers?
Seven people are feeling sick.
Seven!
Get wheelchairs.
I spoke to the DMAT commander
when I got on the ship.
He told me to go
about my usual operations.
I did as he said
and I inspected and identified
issues on the ship.
Let me tell you what I found.
THIS DOCTOR LET DR. ROKUGO ON THE SHIP.
"I watched Dr. Rokugo's videos."
"His remarks may give pressure
to the doctors on the ship."
"What he said is true enough
but I'd like to point out
where Dr. Rokugo was wrong."
I GOT KICKED OFF THAT SAME DAY.
IT'S TRUE THAT DR. ROKUGO
WAS ONBOARD FOR 2 HOURS OR SO.
THE DMAT COMMANDER TOLD ME TO GO
ABOUT MY OPERATIONS.
TRUE, BUT HE DISPENSED ADVICE WITHOUKNOWING THE COMPLEXITIES OF THE PROCESS.
HE CREATED CONFUSION
AND WAS ASKED TO LEAVE.
I THINK HIS ADVICE WAS VALID
BUT THAT'S NOT ENOUGH TO LEAD A TEAM.
YOU NEED TO GAIN THEIR TRUST IN A CRISIS.
IT WAS COMPLETELY INADEQUATE.
I WAS SO SCARED.
PERHAPS HE DID FEEL SCARED
BUT HE UNDERMINED THE EFFORTS
OF THOSE ON BOARD.
I'll BOARD THE SHIP AGAIN TOMORROW.
HE WAS KICKED OFF
FOR INTERRUPTING THE DOCTORS.
ROKUGO EXPECTED A FANFARE.
A POLITICIAN CALLED HIM A HERO.
THE MEDIA DID TOO, WITHOUT ANY MERIT.
Who's he? A DMAT doctor?
I guess he's one of the doctors
who's helping out.
How come you don't know?
Dr. Rokugo deleted his videos.
He wrote, "My voice was heard
and the situation has improved."
It's like he's admitting
that he was wrong!
Fourth floor.
We can't admit a six-year-old
without his parents.
Where are his parents?
In a hospital in Shizuoka.
They tested positive a week ago.
He has a brother
who is 12.
It was just the two of them
on the ship for a week...
Yes.
Where's the brother?
Right there.
He's on this side so...
He tested negative.
Their parents agreed.
They'll be with patients
who tested positive.
Okay.
Does Noah understand the risk?
Yes...
He's very mature for his age.
I'll leave them to you.
They're in stable condition now.
Thank you.
We aren't even operating yet!
Seven with severe acute symptoms
in a night would be hard even if we were!
If a patient dies,
the media will cry, "m*rder!"
Sorry...
At least they're in stable condition.
For now.
Dr. Sanada...
How long were you on the ship?
Eight days... Maybe nine days.
Nine days!
That's amazing...
Not really...
I'm afraid that coronavirus will
turn the country upside down.
Yes.
What you learned on the ship
will help people.
So...
You've got a lot to teach me.
Here.
You put the boys together...
I support your decision.
Do you
regret it?
That's not like you.
Well...
I don't regret it.
I think I avoided making a decision.
I left it to the older boy
to make the choice.
I dodged my responsibility.
You and the team...
You have good will and intentions.
And I take advantage of it.
Get to the top of your game.
Okay, Tatematsu?
Sorry?
Officials like you
motivate people like me who are on-site.
Right.
See you later.
Hello.
Are things okay at Fujita Hospital?
Yes. Tatematsu just called.
What's wrong? If it went well
you should be happy.
Yes...
You're right.
By the way,
did Rokugo's advice help at all?
THE DOCTOR DELETES HIS VIDEOS.
We put one meter
between the changing areas.
Is that it?
That's it.
A huge improvement!
Anyway, it was a relief
when he deleted his videos.
The videos made us out to be amateurs
who caused an outbreak.
I hope the guys feel better
about themselves.
I'd love to punch him in the face
if I could.
Don't say that, doctor!
I know you feel the same, Yuki.
Actually, I might want to slap you!
After all I did?
Yes...
You're right.
In five hours, they'll disembark.
Get some sleep
before the second group
leaves for Fujita Hospital.
Good idea.
See you.
Who was this Dr. Rokugo?
He sure misled us all.
Maybe.
But I have to say we misled people, too...
No...
I did.
We're getting off!
Want anything?
A hamburger.
Again?
Thank you.
Thank you.
May I ask you for a comment?
No, I'm so tired.
Will you take a train home?
No, they have a bus ready for us.
You're finally out of isolation!
May I ask what it was like on the ship?
I was anxious but the crew was cheerful.
I'm sure they were anxious too,
but they made us smile.
They were so good to my boy...
They made me feel that
life would return to normal.
Look! It travels at 22 knots!
Do you know what a "knot" is?
It's so fast that your hair
will stand on end!
That's amazing!
Thank you, take care!
I'm home.
Hi.
You don't usually come home so early!
I hope it wasn't too hard for you.
It was.
But we're okay.
I'm sorry...
I mean it.
All 128 patients at Fujita Hospital
were discharged.
- The boys, too?
- Yes.
Noah and Jack contacted me.
That's great.
Yes.
Hold on.
What's up, Sendo?
I have a favor to ask of you.
What is it? Where are you?
I'm in Hokkaido dealing
with a COVID cluster at a nursing home.
Some quack expert told them
that their caregivers
should stay away from the home.
Even the healthiest of them could die.
What can I do for you?
The Health Ministry guy...
The daredevil. What's his name?
Tatematsu. Can you ask him to
talk to his bosses about this?
I see. He's right here with me.
I don't want to deal with anything tricky.
We wouldn't need you if it was easy.
Tatematsu speaking.
Yes.
I see.
MARCH 1, 2020,
25 DAYS AFTER QUARANTINE BEGAN
ALL 3,700 PASSENGERS AND CREW MEMBERS
DISEMBARKED.
THE LAST TO DISEMBARK WAS THE CAPTAIN.
ON FEBRUARY 8, 2022,
THE DMAT REVISED ITS OBJECTIVES.
AS DESIGNATED BY
THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH, LABOUR AND WELFARE
DMAT WILL RESPOND TO OUTBREAKS OF
UNKNOWN VIRUSES TO PROTECT LIFE.
SHUN OGURI
TORI MATSUZAKA
SOSUKE IKEMATSU
NANA MORI
YUKI SAKURAI
RIE MIMURA
MITSURU FUKIKOSHI
KEN MITSUISHI
KENICHI TAKITOH
YOSUKE KUBOZUKA
BASED ON ACCOUNTS BY HEALTHCARE WORKERS,
OFFICIALS AND THE CREW.
INCIDENTS, CHARACTERS, AND TIMELINES
HAVE BEEN CHANGED FOR DRAMATIC PURPOSES.
MEDICAL TECHNICIANS ALWAYS WORE MASKS
EXCEPT DURING MEALS
BUT IN THE INTERESTS OF THE MOVIE,
ACTORS SOMETIMES WORE NO MASKS.
MEDICAL SPECIALISTS WHO BOARDED THE SHIP
FROM FEB. 9 FOR VIRAL MITIGATION CONTINUED
PROVIDING INFECTION CONTROL SUPPORT ATHE SHIP YARD AFTER DISEMBARKING
ON FEB. 14.
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Frontline (2025)
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