Cruise Ship Returning to Taiwan After Port Entry Denial in Japan, All Passengers Test Negative

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] It has been reported that all passengers on the cruise ship, which was refused entry by the Japanese government due to concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) and returned to Taiwan, tested negative.

According to Japan's Kyodo News, on the 8th, Taiwan's health authorities conducted virus tests on 1,073 passengers and 776 crew members aboard the cruise ship "Superstar Aquarius," which returned to Keelung Port in northern Taiwan after being denied entry by Japan. All tested negative. The cruise ship had attempted to dock in Okinawa on the 4th but was refused entry due to concerns over the novel coronavirus.

The Taiwanese government had earlier announced on the 6th a ban on cruise ships operating international routes from entering Taiwan, but this ship was allowed to dock considering that most of the passengers were Taiwanese nationals. The number of Taiwanese nationals aboard the cruise ship reached 1,709.

Chen Shih-chung, Minister of Health and Welfare of Taiwan, said at a press conference held earlier, "If no one tests positive, the passengers will return home and monitor their health status on their own at home."

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