Chapter 1621
Having remained quiet, Dr. Morris spoke. "The government began constructing the vaccination center some time ago, and I believe it should be operational now. The tender process is complete, so I assume its opening is imminent. They've also assembled specialists in the field, so I'm confident they will significantly bolster virus prevention efforts."
"This is excellent news!" Lily's anxiety eased slightly. Despite herself, she asked, "Have they developed a vaccine? Is it reliable? Has it undergone clinical trials? What data exists on side effects and adverse reactions?"
Dr. Blanc shook his head. "I'm unsure, as it's a different department. However, any vaccine would require multiple stages of clinical trials before deployment. I'm simply letting you know everyone is working diligently—you're not alone in this."
"I understand your eagerness to find a cure, but try not to be overly anxious," he added gently. With a soft sigh, he continued, "We must proceed step-by-step. The crucial point is steadily eradicating the virus."
Dr. Blanc's words calmed her considerable anxiety. Nodding, she admitted, "I overreacted."
"Ah, yes, here's the latest data on your concoction's effectiveness," Dr. Morris interjected, stepping forward and handing her a logbook. "Lab mice 3 and 11 fully recovered without side effects, and others are showing improvement. Your medicine may indeed be effective." His phrasing was cautious yet truthful, avoiding disparagement despite his possible reservations about herbal medicine or Lily herself.
Lily reviewed the logbook and closed it. The data confirmed her expectations; the results were nearly identical to her projections. "Very well. I'll conduct another trial, and if there are no problems, I'll gradually introduce my medicine," she announced, looking at Dr. Blanc.
Dr. Blanc nodded serenely and addressed Dr. Morris. "Moe, proceed to Zone A to assess their experiment's progress, then bring a copy of their data to the central unit for compilation and analysis."
"Okay!" Dr. Morris departed, leaving Dr. Blanc and Lily alone.
Dr. Blanc regarded her intently. "Are you tired?"
"Not really," Lily replied, adding quickly, sensing his skepticism, "I slept a while ago. It was only a short nap, but it refreshed me."
"Good," he murmured, nodding. "Then come with me."
"Going out?" Lily was surprised. "Didn't you say we can't leave at will and must quarantine for a time?"
Dr. Blanc shook his head. "I'm not letting you go out freely. We have a new patient to admit. Come with me."
Lily's apprehension surged. "A new case? Isn't everything under control? How is that possible? How many more? Where is it? Is it spreading? What safety measures are in place?"
Dr. Blanc looked at her, then turned and started walking. "We're short on time. Let's discuss it en route, shall we?"
Lily hesitated no longer and followed. They entered a specialized ambulance. Lily, Dr. Blanc, and several other personnel sat on either side, all in hazmat suits, maintaining a professional demeanor. The sealed windows obscured the outside view.
After a moment of silence, Lily again addressed Dr. Blanc. "How was this case discovered? How long has it been present? Has anyone been in close contact with the patient? Are we monitoring those individuals?"