NEW DELHI: Two more Indians on board Diamond Princess, the cruise ship quarantined at Yokohama, Japan since February 4, have tested positive for coronavirus infection. The number of Indians infected on the ship has risen to five.  

A statement by the Indian Embassy in Japan said on Sunday, “Two more Indian nationals have tested positive for COVID-19 among 137 new cases over Saturday and Sunday on board Diamond Princess cruise ship … Both have been sent to medical facilities for further treatment and quarantine.” The number of coronavirus cases on the quarantined ship has risen to 355.

The US government initiated the evacuation process of around 400 American passengers and crew members on Sunday, three days before the official quarantine period ends. “The decision was sudden. Till yesterday, no one knew the Americans would be evacuated,” said a crew member.The quarantine for crew members may not end on February 19.

The disembarkation process for the passengers may be done in phases while tests are conducted and results awaited. Only about one-third of the 3,700 people quarantined on the ship have reportedly been tested for the infection yet. “The numbers are probably going up faster now because more people are being tested now. It’s unlikely that people will be allowed to leave the ship without being tested. So release of people from the ship may take longer than the February 19 deadline,” added the crew member.

Source: ET Healthworld