Miriam did a lot of work on the package with the kit she had brought with her. She worked deftly despite being in the bulky suit.
“What’s she doing?” asked Mr. Claus.
“Fast antigen-based tests,” answered J.J.
“What?” asked Mr. Claus.
“Fast viral tests,” said Leroy with a shrug.
“Oh, okay,” said Mr. Claus.
After about 10 mins Miriam put all of the things she had been working with into a sturdy yellow plastic bag and into a plastic bucket. She stripped out of the suit and threw it on top of the one that Mrs. Claus had left on the deck.
She stepped into the living room and everyone took a step back.
“Don’t worry. I am not contagious. Any danger is out on the deck. By the way, I would keep that stuff out there for about two weeks and then throw it away,” said Miriam.
Everyone relaxed.
“So what’s up?” asked Leroy.
“I have some good news and bad news,” said Miriam.
“Bad news, please,” said Mr. Claus.
“Alright. There is a strain of SARS-CoV-2 on the outside of the package consistent with some of the strains being found in mink farms in Denmark,” said Miriam.
Everyone looked at her very worried.
“And there is some more bad news. It seems to be the same strain that was reported to infect the wood elf. It probably isn’t virulent for Leroy and me but for everyone else,” said Miriam.
“We were super careful in handling the package,” said J.J.
“Then you should all be okay,” said Miriam.
“And the good news?” asked Mr. Claus.
“There is non-human, non-viral protein on the package as well,” said Miriam.
“Like dog?” asked William.
“No. Like mink,” said Miriam.
“So if we find a colony of minks in Denmark then we find our source of the virus,” said Leroy.
“Yes,” answered Miriam.
“Then let’s roll,” said Mr. Claus.
