Coronavirus confirmed on Diamond Princess

The Japanese Ministry of Health has carried out health screening on board Diamond Princess in Yokohama after a guest from Hong Kong tested positive for coronavirus six days after leaving the ship.

Princess Cruises said that while on the ship he did not visit the ship’s medical centre to report any symptoms or illness. The hospital reports that he is in a stable condition and family members travelling with him remain symptom-free.

Princess Cruises said in a later statement it can confirm the first phase of health screening of all guests and crew on board Diamond Princess by the Japanese Ministry of Health has been completed.

It added “We were notified that among the samples that have completed testing, 10 people have tested positive for coronavirus. This includes two Australian guests, three Japanese guests, three guests from Hong Kong, and one guest from the US in addition to one Filipino crew member.

“These 10 persons, 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.”

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

Princess Cruises said “The ship plans to go out to sea to perform normal marine operations including, but not limited to, the production of fresh water and ballast operations before proceeding alongside in Yokohama where food, provisions, and other supplies will be brought on board.”

Guests will continue to be provided complimentary internet and telephones to use.

Princess Cruises said it will continue to fully co-operate with and follow the instructions of global medical authorities and the Japanese Government. It has also cancelled the next two Diamond Princess cruises departing Yokohama (4 February and 12 February).

Princess Cruises confirms there are 2,666 guests and 1,045 crew currently on board covering a range of nationalities. Approximately half the guests on board are from Japan.