Japan, 65 new cases onboard quarantined cruise ship

A luxury cruise ship, the Diamond Princess, was quarantined last week in Yokohama, Japan, after a previous passenger who disembarked in Hong Kong had been confirmed to have the new coronavirus.

In an announcement on Monday February 10th, 65 new cases were confirmed; 60 passengers and 5 crew. The total number of infected from the ship is now at 130, according to domestic broadcasters TBS and NHK who cited Japanese health ministry sources.

Yesterday, February 9th, Japanese National Health Authorities provided a detailed update to the WHO on the situation of the cruise ship. Following confirmation of a case of 2019-nCoV, all crew and passengers are being quarantined for a 14-day period on board the vessel, asked to stay in their cabins and to wear a mask when leaving their cabin.

All crew and passengers are closely followed-up and are medically examined and tested for 2019-nCoV when displaying any signs or symptoms suggestive of 2019- nCoV disease. The quarantine period will come to an end on 19 February. Epidemiological and environmental investigations are ongoing.

All individuals testing positive were disembarked and admitted for medical care in infectious disease hospitals in the Yokohama area. Close contacts of the infected passengers are asked to remain in quarantine for 14 days from last contact with a confirmed case. Thus, the quarantine period will be extended beyond 19 February as appropriate only for close contacts of newly confirmed cases.

From onboard the cruise ship, twitter handle @daxa_tw posted an update directly from the ship’s captain on the situation, confirming the 65 new cases as well as announcing that passengers in cabins that do not have windows must spend more time on-deck, getting sunlight and fresh air. Passengers currently have scheduled time on deck so that everyone gets that opportunity, but those without cabin windows would be allowed more time. The captain then went on to encourage all passengers to continue to stay hydrated and exercise to keep their health up, as well as informing them about a cleaning schedule as resources are limited and passengers have had to maintain room cleanliness themselves. Food is also being supplied to passengers in their cabins under strict quarantine procedures, with authorities handling deliveries to the vessel, including for medicine and personal items sent by family members outside the quarantine.

Sources (WHO, REUTERS)