Hundreds of Americans have been flown out of Japan after leaving the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship on February 15, while another 70 people on board tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of 355.
According to US officials, 380 Americans would be taken to an air force base in California on two government-chartered aircraft, leaving Tokyo’s Haneda airport on February 17.
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In addition, another 40 US citizens on board the ship have tested positive for the virus and will be treated in Japan. Passengers displaying symptoms will not be allowed to board the plane.
Before this development, the Princess Cruises had issued a statement informing that a voluntary disembarkation will take place, with priority given to the most medically vulnerable guests, including older adults with pre-existing health conditions.
The cruise line has first reported on February 4 about ten passengers that had been positively tested for Coronavirus. Then, on February 6, the company stated that there were 41 additional passengers infected by the Coronavirus.
As of today (February 17), 1,775 people have lost their lives due to the coronavirus, while another 71,810 have been infected. On the positive side, the number of people recovering has increased, reaching 11,188.
