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Ten on Diamond Princess have coronavirus, two cruises are canceled

FILE PHOTO: PRINCESS CRUISES Diamond Princess.jpeg
There are 2,666 passengers and 1,045 crew currently on board, representing a range of nationalities
Ten people aboard Diamond Princess have tested positive for coronavirus in the initial round of screening by Japan health officials.

The Feb. 4 and Feb. 12 sailings from Yokohama are canceled and the ship will be quarantined at least 14 days.

Nine passengers and one crew member

According to Princess Cruises, the 10 confirmed cases include two Australian passengers, three Japanese passengers, three passengers from Hong Kong and one from the US, in addition to one Filipino crew member.

These 10 people, who have been notified, will be taken ashore by Japanese Coast Guard watercraft and transported to local hospitals for care by shoreside Japanese medical professionals. 

Quarantine

It has been confirmed that the ship will remain under quarantine in Yokohama. The length of the quarantine will be at least 14 days, as required by the Japan Ministry of Health. 

Out to sea for a period

Princess said the ship will go out to sea to perform normal marine operations including the production of fresh water and ballast operations before proceeding alongside at Yokohama where food, provisions and other supplies will be brought on board. 

Passengers will continue to be provided complimentary Internet and telephone to stay in contact with their family and loved ones, and the crew is working to keep everyone comfortable.  

Princess added it will continue to fully cooperate with and follow the instructions of global medical authorities and the Japanese government.

2,666 passengers

The 2,666 passengers and 1,045 crew on board represent a range of nationalities. About half the passengers are from Japan.

Japan health authorities have been on the ship screening passengers and crew for coronavirus since its Feb. 3 arrival in Yokohama. A man on the prior saiing was later diagnosed at a hospital in Hong Kong.