COVID-19 Infections on Japanese Cruise Ship Rise to 218... "Decision Made for Elderly Passengers to Disembark"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced on the 13th that 44 additional COVID-19 infections were confirmed on the cruise ship 'Diamond Princess' docked at Yokohama Port, Japan, according to NHK and other broadcasters. Amid growing concerns about infections on board, it was decided to prioritize disembarking elderly passengers aged 80 and above.

According to reports, among the 44 newly confirmed cases, 43 were passengers and 1 was a crew member. Of these, 29 were Japanese nationals. As a result, since the cluster infection of 10 people was confirmed on the 5th, the total number of COVID-19 cases found on this cruise ship has reached 218.

Katsunobu Kato, Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, stated that elderly passengers on board who are at high risk of developing severe symptoms will be prioritized for disembarkation. Although passengers were originally scheduled to stay on board for 14 days, this measure was taken as more passengers expressed health concerns.

Accordingly, virus testing is being conducted sequentially for passengers aged 80 and above, those with underlying health conditions, or those living in windowless rooms. Depending on the results, those who test negative will be disembarked and stay at accommodations arranged by the government. Passengers who wish to remain on board will also be allowed to do so.

According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, there are currently 2,666 elderly passengers on board, including 226 passengers aged 80 and above.

Earlier, the Japanese government has been conducting COVID-19 tests on over 3,700 people on this cruise ship, and since the first infection was confirmed on the 5th, passengers have been instructed not to leave their rooms for 14 days.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.