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Ten confirmed with coronavirus on quarantined Princess ship
More than 3,700 people are facing an enforced two-week quarantine holed up on a cruise ship after 10 people tested positive for coronavirus.
More cases are possible, health officials said.
The ship is anchored off the coast of Japan.
The infected patients have been transferred to hospitals but all other occupants must remain in quarantine aboard the Diamond Princess.
The nightmare scenario has turned an eight-day round trip cruise for passengers into a two-week lockdown, confined to their cabins.
Personal stories of the situation have been posted on social media.
One twitter user spoke of ‘hearing from many sides that people are troubled and uneasy.’
The coronavirus scare began after discovering an 80-year-old man sailed on the ship last month and later tested positive for coronavirus.
Japan Health Minister Katsunobu Kato said the 10 confirmed cases are from only 31 test results they have received back as of Wednesday morning so more cases are possible.
The confirmed cases include a US national, three each from Hong Kong and Japan, two Australians and a Filipino crew member with severe symptoms.
All guests have access to free Wi-Fi to stay in touch with loved ones, the line said.
All guests will receive a full refund and a future cruise credit.
About 6,000 passengers on the Costa Smeralda were initially quarantined last week after two guests were suspected of having the Wuhan coronavirus, although tests later showed they were suffering from a flu virus.
Several cruise lines – including Princess – have announced measures aimed at stopping the spread of coronavirus, including banning guests from ships if they have travelled from or through mainland China in the 14 days prior to the departure date of the cruise.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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