Coronavirus: 2 Indians test positive on cruise ship

Two Indian crew members have been tested positive for coronavirus aboard the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship.

This is in accordance with an official statement released by the Embassy of India in Tokyo.

"Due to suspicion of novel Coronavirus (nCo V) infection, the ship has been quarantined by the Japanese authorities till 19 Feb 2020. As of 12 February 2020, altogether 174 people have tested positive for nCoV, including 2(two) Indian crew members. All 174 have been taken to hospitals for adequate treatment - including further quarantine, in accordance with the Japanese health protocol. Those who have not tested positive, irrespective of their nationality, have not been allowed to disembark. However, an exception has been made for critically ill passengers/crew members, who have been allowed to be taken to hospitals/medical facilities, under supervision, for further treatment and quarantine", the statement said. 

"The Embassy of India in Tokyo has been in constant contact with the relevant Japanese authorities to ensure welfare of Indian nationals on-board the ship as well as the possibility of their early disembarkation, in case they are not found to have tested positive for nCoV. Japanese authorities have confirmed that they are following the designated health protocols", it added. 

Meanwhile, the Embassy of India in Tokyo has reached out to the Indian nationals (crew members and passengers) through emails and telephone calls. The Embassy has explained to them about the health and safety regulations of Japanese authorities and have requested for cooperation. None of the Indian nationals have complained of discriminatory treatment meted out to them. The Embassy has been in constant touch with the ship management company - Princess Cruises (for the crew members) and the employer of the six passengers, to tie up their travel back to India.

The Japanese Health Ministry on Wednesday, February 12, confirmed that 39 more people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus on the Diamond Princess cruise ship.

The newly reported cases bring the total from the ship to 174, excluding the quarantine officer, who is considered a domestic case. Aside from the Diamond Princess's toll, the number of cases nationwide is 29, The Japan Times reported.

The Health Ministry announced that 39 people - 29 passengers, 10 crew members - have tested positive.

The 39 passengers and crew members that tested positive on Wednesday will be taken to hospitals across nine prefectures.