THE VIRAL FEAR

THE VIRAL FEAR
A perfect day for whale watching on the Pacific from the Zaandam aft deck. THE PRIVATEER CLAUSE photo
Stark, raving fear is enveloping many people as they cower from the silent and invisible death virus spreading across the world as captured in this photo of a Gargoyle on a building in Spain. THE PRIVATEER CLAUSE photo
Costa-Favolosa-security-officer-Andrew-Fernandes-age-48-from-Mumbai-India.

FROM CREWCENTER.COM
Dear Friends, with deep sorrow we would like to inform you that a fellow crew member who tested positive for the novel coronavirus has passed away.

Our hearts are saddened of the passing of the Costa Favolosa security officer Andrew Fernandes, age 48, from Mumbai, India.

On Sunday, March 29, Andrew was transferred via tender boat and escorted by the Coast Guard from Costa Favolosa off the coast of Miami and sent to a hospital. People wearing hazmat suits took the crew member from the Coast Guard station in Miami Beach.

His wife Maria and her four children have been hoping for a miracle ever since Andrew, tested positive for COVID-19 and transferred from the ship to Larkin Community Hospital in Miami, Floridan, reports the Indian newspaper Mid-Day.

Andrew’s wife said his condition worsened and the doctors had to sedate him and put him on ventilator support after he had pneumonia and lung infection.

He need to be transferred to Miami Jackson hospital, however, there were no beds available at the time said, family member.

FROM CREWCENTER.COM Several crew members onboard the cruise ship Pullmantur Horizon have told Crew Center they are stressed and afraid about their colleagues suffering from the COVID-19 virus. The crew reported that the virus is spreading rapidly and according to the latest message we received on April 4, some 150 people out of 250 onboard have tested positive. The first crew member who tested positive for COVID-19 was on March 26, when an ambulance took 4 crew with flu-like symptoms to the local hospital, later the captain announced that one of them tested positive for the virus. Four days later, on March 30, the crew reported that 11 out of 20 crew members tested for COVID-19 were positive. The cruise ship Pullmantur Horizon docked at Port Rashid in Dubai on March 15. Since then the ship is under lockdown and the crew is isolated. One crew member who has sent us an audio recording from the ship’s PA announcement says that the crew is divided in two separate areas. The crew reports that they are well treated onboard, however, the situation is desperate and they all want to disembark the ship as soon as possible. more

The Celebrity Edge is shown in port at St. Maarten in January of 2020. Her new sister ship, ready to sail this year, is under watch in port in France where it was held prior to it’s first sailing with seven crew-members testing positive for Wuhan Virus. THE PRIVATEER CLAUSE.

New Celebrity sister ship to EDGE hasn’t even sailed yet but 7 crew members have tested positive and French ordered cleaning

FROM CREWCENTER.COM – The French health authorities announced yesterday 7 crew members on board the cruise ship Celebrity Apex tested positive for COVID-19. About 78 crew members are considered contact cases and they are isolated in their cabins. The health condition of the crew members does not require hospitalization at this moment.

Celebrity Apex was set for delivery by the French shipyard Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire last Friday, but the plans were postponed due to the global pandemic. There are currently 1,407 crew members from 60 different nationalities who boarded Celebrity Apex three weeks ago.

The local authorities sent the following press release: “Since these tests, the entire crew, as well as those infected (7 confirmed cases and 7 other probable cases since), presenting with symptoms or who have been identified as contact cases (78) are currently confined to their cabins onboard Celebrity Edge. In addition, general disinfection of the vessel is underway. The cabin ventilation system has been modified to supply only air coming from outside”MORE

After 1 death and calls for help, Miami-Dade pulls more sick passengers off Coral Princess

Coral-Princess-at-port-in-Fort-Lauderdale. THE PRIVATEER CLAUSE photo

From The MIAMI HERALD:
Family members of sick passengers stuck on board the Coral Princess at PortMiami began pleading early Sunday for urgent help in getting their loved ones off the cruise ship and into the hospital.

By late in the day, their calls were answered. After the Saturday night death of a passenger who was left off an initial emergency evacuation, Miami-Dade County sent in re-enforcements. Miami-Dade’s Jackson hospital system sent a team to assess severely ill Coral Princess passengers and county paramedics were dispatched to the port to assist, said Myriam Marquez, communications director for Mayor Carlos Gimenez.

“The mayor has been very clear. We want to help as much as we can,” Marquez said. “But we also don’t want to overwhelm the system.” MORE

Coral-Princess-at-Port-Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) THE PRIVATEER CLAUSE photo

This message from a crewmember on a ship describes the desperation of being prevented from leaving the ship to be with loved ones; or in this case, his wife is on the ship but kept in a different cabin and only able to see her at meals…

Carlos Romero I am one of those crew members we are +900 plus crew in Jacksonville and none of us wants to stay here we are in lockdown so we are not free to go even we have money we cannot leave in short terms it’s a jail we are separated me and my wife in different cabins we can one see each other only for meals, at least many families are together we are a thousand or more miles away from our love ones let’s think about this before judging us and pointing fingers, we are only two from my country I know the company can only sent crew home in large groups so basically will stay here until the end, if there is a end

ZAANDAM – Voyage of the Damned – turned away from several ports has 200 sick and 4 in ship’s morgue

A perfect day for whale watching on the Pacific from the Zaandam aft deck. THE PRIVATEER CLAUSE photo

FROM HOLLAND-AMERICA LINE: March 29, 2020, 9:38 PM PDT — Holland America Line can confirm that it was granted approval by the Panama Canal Authority to transit Zaandam and Rotterdam through the Panama Canal. We greatly appreciate this humanitarian consideration and the compassion shown for our guests and crew by the government of Panama and the Panama Maritime Authority.  We are also thankful for the support of the various embassies that are partnering with us to help get their citizens home as quickly as possible.

We are still finalizing the details for where and when our guests will disembark and are asking for the same compassion and humanity to be extended for our arrival. The Zaandam cruise was originally scheduled to end in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on April 7.

The transfer of guests between Zaandam and Rotterdam was completed earlier today, March 29, before transiting the Panama Canal. The primary purpose of the transfer was to balance the workload between the two ships and to provide immediate relief to the service staff on Zaandam, which has fewer crewmembers working at this time.

The two ships will remain together for the rest of the journey. Guests on both ships will remain in their staterooms until disembarkation, and all necessary precautionary measures are being taken on both ships that have been developed in conjunction with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guests have not been ashore since March 14 in Punta Arenas, Chile, and have been self-isolating in their staterooms since March 22.

Guests who moved to Rotterdam completed a health screening prior to transferring via sanitized tender, with all other necessary precautions in place, including wearing masks, social distancing and direct transfer to their new staterooms. No guests who had any respiratory symptoms in the last ten days were transferred, and no Zaandam crew were transferred to Rotterdam.

Currently, 73 guests and 116 crew members on Zaandam have reported influenza-like illness symptoms.

There are 797 guests and 645 crew on Rotterdam. On Zaandam, there are 446 guests and 602 crew.

The Holland America Zaandam in Honolulu. THE PRIVATEER CLAUSE photo

Complimentary telephone counseling services have been made available to guests and crew if they would like extra support during this time. For those with family members on board, they can call the Zaandam Care Center at the following numbers for information: 1-877-425-2231 or 1-206-626-7398.

Due to global health concerns, Holland America Line made the decision to suspend its global cruise operations for 30 days and end its current cruises in progress as quickly as possible. At the time, Zaandam was sailing a South America cruise that began in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on March 7 that was originally scheduled to end at San Antonio, Chile, on March 21. On March 21, Zaandam was originally scheduled to begin a 20-day South America and Panama Canal cruise from San Antonio, Chile, to Fort Lauderdale.

THE WASHINGTON TIMES: President Trump on Sunday said the U.S. will make three times more ventilators over the next 100 days than it typically produces in a year.

Speaking from the White House, Mr. Trump said the pace of production will depend on companies that he is asking — or compelling, through the Defense Production Act — to prioritize federal orders for the life-saving machines.

Ventilators are machines that help people breathe. The coronavirus disease, COVID-19, causes respiratory distress, so ventilators are considered the most vital piece of equipment for hospitals battling the pandemic.

FROM THE NEW YORK POST – A cruise ship that is carrying nearly 200 passengers with flu-like symptoms and the bodies of four people who have died on board is scheduled to arrive in Florida this week, reports said.

The Holland America vessel Zaandam was granted passage through the Panama Canal on Sunday and continued its voyage north to the US, Fox News reported.

The cruise liner has been in limbo for several days after a number of South American ports denied the ship entry. Four people, including one American, have died aboard the ship.

Two people on the ship have tested positive for coronavirus, but the causes of death of the four passengers has not been released.

New York Gov. Cuomo updates the Coronaviras Wuhan Virus crisis

Four cruise ships have been parked about 18 miles west of St. Pete Beach. The ships are anchored there as part of an agreement with Port Tampa Bay, said Lisa Wolf-Chason, communications director for the port. With cruises suspended to limit the spread of the disease and port space limited, the cruise lines need a place to park their passenger-less ships so their crews can ferry back and forth to land, Wolf-Chason said.

Carl Goldman owns a radio station in California and is stuck in isolation for the Coronavirus; in an interview on March 4, 2020, he reveals his family had received death threats.

Carl Goldman, a Santa Clarita resident and owner of KHTS Radio, is continuing to chronicle his experiences as he recovers in a Nebraska hospital after testing positive for the coronavirus. Read full story here: https://www.hometownstation.com/santa…
Part 1: Santa Clarita Residents Share First-Hand Account Of Quarantine On Diamond Princess Cruise Ship Due To Coronavirus
Part 2: Santa Clarita Residents Share First-Hand Experience Of Coronavirus Quarantine On Diamond Princess: Part Two
Part 3: Santa Clarita Residents Share First-Hand Experience Of Coronavirus Quarantine On Diamond Princess
Part 4: Trapped In The Coronavirus Quarantine Aboard The Diamond Princess: Part Four Part 5: Santa Clarita Residents Share Emotions As They Prepare To Leave Coronavirus Quarantine Cruise: Part Five Part 6: Santa Clarita Residents To Return To United States After Coronavirus Quarantine On Diamond Princess: Part Six
Part 7: Santa Clarita Resident Diagnosed With Coronavirus Sets Record Straight: Part 7
Part 8: Santa Clarita Resident Battles Coronavirus After Diamond Princess Cruise: Part 8

Handshake vs. Fist Bump: How Should You Greet People Amidst Coronavirus?

People have been shaking hands since the 5th century B.C. In its first recorded usage, shaking hands was seen as a peace offering — if you were offering your hand to someone, it was proof you didn’t have a weapon in it. Though times have certainly changed since then, handshaking remains an acceptable form of greeting throughout the United States. Every day on The Dr. Oz Show, I shake hands with my guests as a way of not only making them feel comfortable, but as a sign of respect. At NYP/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, where I perform heart surgeries, I shake hands with my patients and their families to introduce myself and help ease their nerves.

RELATED:Subscribe to the Dr. Oz newsletter for wellness tips, recipes, and exclusive sneak peeks from The Dr. Oz Show.

But since the coronavirus outbreak has made its way to the U.S., I’ve stopped shaking hands at the hospital, and on my show, and when I’m introduced to new people. Around 80% of people who have the virus don’t have symptoms or only mild symptoms, so you never know for sure. Since the outbreak started, people have been asking me what I think of it and my advice hasn’t changed: wash your hands, avoid touching your face, and stay home if you feel sick. But another thing you can do now is stop high-fiving and shaking hands so much. What can you do instead? I suggest a fist bump.

Sure, a fist bump without warning might be a total dad move, but I’m a dad of four, so I’m leaning into it. Plus, there’s science that backs up why this is effective in reducing the spread of harmful germs and bacteria.

According to the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC), a handshake transfers two times as much bacteria as a high-five and up to ten times as much bacteria as a fist bump. The 2014 AJIC study found that this is likely because a handshake lasts seconds longer than a fist bump. But even when the fist bump touching time was prolonged in the study, the amount of bacteria transmitted person-to-person was still less than high-fives and handshakes. Even more, the space of your hand that makes contact with another person is increased in a stronger handshake as compared to a weaker one. The study points out that “in the United States alone, community-acquired pneumonia causes around 60,000 deaths annually, with an estimated annual economic cost of $17 billion,” so a no-contact greeting can actually significantly reduce these numbers.

But of course, we’re talking about this now because of the COVID-19 spread currently making its way around our globe. As of Mar. 4, 2020, coronavirus has spread to 71 countries with over 94,000 cases confirmed worldwide. There are 127 confirmed cases in the U.S. The elderly and those already dealing with respiratory illnesses or poor health are most at risk, but I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I don’t think it’s time to panic. I think it’s time to prioritize your health. Cancel the handshake and bring back the fist bump. Your health will be better for it. MORE

Royal Caribbean Chairman shares reassuring message in midst of Coronavirus outbreak

IN: Coronavirus02Mar2020By: Matt Hochberg

The travel industry has been hit particularly hard by the Coronavirus outbreak, and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Chairman and CEO Richard Fain appealed directly to the travel agent community to remain vigilant.

Mr. Fain sent a video to travel agents who sell cruises on Royal Caribbean, as well as her sister brands, and urged despite the tumultuous situation at hand with the Coronavirus, better times are still to come.

Royal Caribbean Chairman shares reassuring message in midst of Coronavirus outbreak

“This is a tough time – a really tough time – and all of us know it, because all of us are going through it together.”

“After reading enough of the endless media reports about Coronavirus, it’s really easy to think that the world is coming to an end. Well, I have a spoiler alert: it’s not. We’re all spending time worrying, and that’s natural, because we’re in a storm, and when you’re in the middle of a storm, it certainly feels like it’ll never end. But as with most storms, it gets worse before it gets better, but it’s hard to remember that this too shall pass. And while the virus is something to be taken seriously, it’s not a cause for panic – not in a personal sense, and not in a business sense either.”

“As far as the business impact on our business, it ain’t pretty. In fact, to use a technical term I learned in business school, it sucks.”

“We’ve absolutely sailed through rough waters like this before, and we’ve weathered every storm side-by-side with you. We all vividly remember dealing with all the impacts of 9/11 had on revenue, and on our operations. And remember the last pandemic, the H1N1 flu pandemic of 2009? Or the Ebola scare? In each case, it felt to me at least, like the rough seas were never going to end. But in each case, they did.”

 
 
 

Carnival’s Princess Cruises confirmed 40 new cases of the coronavirus on its quarantined ship docked in Japan.

 

Holland America cruise ship refused entry by fifth port due to coronavirus fears

Amsterdam in Curacao port where the bridge swivels to open the port to ships. THE PRIVATEER CLAUSE photo
 
 
 

DIAMOND PRINCESS CASES SOAR TO 130

FROM USA TODAY: As of Monday, at least 135 passengers on board Princess Cruises’ Diamond Princess cruise ship had been diagnosed with coronavirus; at least 20 of them are Americans. 

The ship was carrying 2,666 guests and 1,045 crew when it set sail on Jan. 20 and is now quarantined off the coast of Japan. The Diamond Princess is scheduled to remain under quarantine until Feb. 19.

Due to the quarantine, “it was not unexpected that additional cases would be reported involving individuals who were exposed prior to the start of the quarantine,” Princess Cruises said in a statement provided by Negin Kamali, director of public relations. 

Coronavirus cases on Carnival’s quarantined Diamond Princess cruise in Japan jump to 61

Coronavirus Deaths Hit 806, Surpassing Total From 2003 SARS Outbreak

China finally accepts help in battle against coronavirus — after 35,000 infected

From Princess Cruise Line Board on Cruise Critic Feb. 9, 2020, 1:10 am EST
Summary:

  • Officials reported an additional 81 deaths in Hubei on Saturday, bringing the death toll to 806: more than the total from the entire 2002-2003 SARS outbreak
  • WHO reported 31,481 confirmed global cases on Friday, up by 3,000+ cases from Thursday; SCMP says total cases closer to 35k
  • First American citizen has died
  • First Japanese citizen suspected of succumbing to virus
  • France elevates travel advisory to orange after 5 Britons fall ill in ski resort
  • Roundup of suspected infected in Wuhan continues
  • Beijing appoints Xi protege to help lead virus response
  • Vigil for Dr. Li held in Hong Kong
  • China blocks Foxconn plan to reopen factories

Stranded Royal Caribbean cruise passengers slam liner amid coronavirus scare

Update (1745ET): The coronavirus outbreak has just reached another grim milestone: The death toll has eclipsed that of the 2002-2003 SARS outbreak.

Five Britons hit with Coronavirus at French Ski Resort

MSC Liraca cruise ship leaves Cadiz Spain. THE PRIVATEER CLAUSE photo

MSC Boss says Chinese crew will be allowed to extend their contracts and won’t have to return to China

 

DOZENS MORE HAVE BEEN INFECTED ON SICK SHIP DIAMOND PRINCESS

“Twenty passengers diagnosed earlier have already been taken to hospitals.” There are now 61 confirmed cases from this cruise ship according to the BBC.

COSTA crew appeals for help

 CREW CENTER received this message from Costa Venezia crew member. The ship is 14 days at sea after Costa cruises canceled voyages due to the Coronavirus outbreak in China.

“I’m a crew members from Costa Venezia Costa Crociere, we are from 26 of January around the sea From Cina and Japan, it’s been almost 14 days that we are at sea without dock in any port, we are inside the ship CLOSED and for us it’s not allowed to go out to buy sanitary products that we really need it. The company didn’t give information to us and we don’t know how the situation will involve. Our stress level is high and we need information about what to do, The Company has to know that is IMPOSSIBLE to keep us inside the ship closed for one month without working and at sea! Please share this message like this somebody Can help us to find a port and disembark crew members and stay safe in a future return at home. Thank you”

Costa-Venziea-without-passengers

COSTA CREW MEMBER SAYS CREW OF SHIP WITHOUT PASSENGERS IS BEING WELL-TREATED BY CRUISE LINE, BEING PAID AND ABLE TO STOCK UP IN A PORT

FROM CREW CENTER:
A Message we received from another crew member onboard Costa Venezia.
As one of the crew onboard in Venezia, we’re been treated very well by the company. Free food, free wifi and even paid a salary without the passengers onboard. We should be appreciated and grateful for the arrangement. And we did dock in Okinawa on 29th January for uploading the supplements and the crew who not in IPM is allowed to go outside. We have a good break time in Okinawa even though just 3-5 hours. But is enough for us to have lunch and buying the things we needed. If this crew is in IPM, he/she also can buy things in crew sale which organized days before. And is twice. We have 2 crew sales been arranged few days before. The company is tried their best to keep us safe. And about entertainment? We have parties, free shows, free courses in the system if you wish to learn, sports and we have our own costa Venezia Olympics on 8th Feb for all the crew to join. Don’t give any fake info or news to others if you are not in the ship or you are the one who not appreciated the things that the company offer. The company is losing a lot of money but they still continue our contract instead of cutting people.

Just to let all the people know we are safe and been treated very well. We’re safe!! 😄😄 No need to be worried about us 😁

Oxfordshire couple David and Sally Abel have been quarantined in their room after 10 of the passengers on their cruise ship were found to have coronavirus.

ALL PASSENGERS ARE ORDERED TO STAY IN THEIR CABINS FOR 14 DAYS

WORLD DREAM STUCK IN HONG KONG – was turned away from Taiwan

World-Dream-operated-by-Genting-Cruises-sidelined-with-Coronavirus-victims-in-Hong-Kong

FROM ABC NEWS: A Hong Kong official says about 3,600 people onboard a cruise ship that was turned away from a Taiwanese port will be quarantined until they are checked for a new virus.

The World Dream ship, operated by Genting Cruise Lines, was refused entry at Kaohsiung port on Tuesday after three passengers on an earlier voyage were later diagnosed with the new coronavirus.

Port health official Leung Yiu Hong says 90% of current passengers are from Hong Kong and no one is from mainland China.

He says more than 30 crew members with symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat will undergo tests.

Leung said everyone will undergo temperature screening and must fill in a health declaration form.

They won’t be allowed to leave until the tests are done. Leung said the length of the quarantine or the possibility of other steps will depend on the health tests. MORE

A-coronavirus-victim-is-taken-from-the-World-Dream-cruise-ship-in-Hong-Kong-when-the-ship-was-quarantined. Photo courtesy of the New York Post
Anthem-of-The-Seas-at-Bayonne-New-Jersey-on-Feb.-7-2020-via-Fox-News

4 passengers taken from Anthem of The Seas when it docked in New Jersey; had traveled from China; everyone screened in what CDC said was a low-risk event

Anthem of the Seas

WHO asks for $675 million to fight Coronavirus

Fear of possible Coronavirus outbreak on a cruise ship became reality after nine guests and one crew member tested positive for Coronavirus on the cruise ship Diamond Princess, said Japan’s health minister, Katsunobu Kato on Wednesday morning. FROM CREWCENTER

VIETNAM TURNS AWAY THE SEABOURN OVATION

From a crew member on the Seabourn Ovation – cruise ship was denied permission to call on ports in Vietnam. Now sailing to Thailand. But will likely be denied also, because our ship has a guest isolated, with symptoms of virus..- from CRUISELAWNEWS.COM

Updates on Diamond Princess

Updated February 5, 2020, at 9:00 AM PT

If you are the immediate family of a guest onboard Diamond Princess you may call the appropriate number for your region for assistance:

North America: 800-693-7222
Australia: 1-300-026-240
New Zealand: 0800-002141
United Kingdom: 0-800-014-8339
Japan: 0800-170-6282
Immediate family assistance (anyone from any country, including guests onboard, can call): 872-201-5236


Confirmed Cases of Coronavirus on Diamond Princess – February 4, 2020, at 6:00 PM PT

The following information is from Princess Cruise Lines:

Princess Cruises can confirm that the first phase of health screening of all guests and crew onboard Diamond Princess, by the Japanese Ministry of Health, has been completed. We were notified that amongst 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 U.S. in addition to one Filipino crewmember.

These 10 persons, who have been notified, will be taken ashore by the Japanese Coast Guard watercraft and transported to local hospitals for care by shoreside Japanese medical professionals. It has been confirmed that 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.

The ship plans to go out to sea to perform normal marine operations including, but not limited to, the production of freshwater and ballast operations before proceeding alongside in Yokohama where food, provisions, and other supplies will be brought onboard.

Guests will continue to be provided complimentary internet and telephone to use in order to stay in contact with their family and loved ones, and the ship’s crew is working to keep all guests comfortable.

Princess Cruises will continue to fully cooperate with and follow the instructions of global medical authorities and the Japanese government.

We will also be canceling the next two Diamond Princess cruises departing Yokohama (Feb 4 and Feb 12) and will begin notifying guests today.

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

Coral-Princess-at-Port-Everglades. THE PRIVATEER CLAUSE photo

Cancellation of Diamond Princess – February 4 Cruise (Yokohama)

Princess Cruises thanks the Japan Ministry of Health for their thorough review of the health status of guests and crew aboard Diamond Princess. The cruise line has decided to cancel the next voyage of Diamond Princess to help facilitate the health screening and records review process.

Diamond Princess was due to depart Yokohama (February 4, 2020) for an eight-day round trip cruise. However, the decision was made to cancel the cruise because of the time needed for the authorities to complete their comprehensive review.

All guests will receive a full refund. Each guest will also receive a one hundred percent future cruise credit.

All guests will receive a full refund. Each guest will also receive a one hundred percent future cruise credit.

While this decision will be disappointing for our guests, we feel they will understand the commitment to continue to work closely with the health authorities because we share a common goal of looking after the safety and well-being of our guests, crew and the places we visit.

Princess Cruises confirmed there are 2,666 guests currently onboard covering a range of nationalities. About half the guests are from Japan.

We will provide a further update once we have more information. 

Emerald-Princess-docking-at-St.-Croix. THE PRIVATEER CLAUSE photo

Yokohama, Japan (Feb 4, 2020 GMT+9)

10 on quarantined Japanese cruise ship infected with coronavirus

From KYODO NEWS

Princess Cruises has confirmed the turnaround of Diamond Princess has been delayed for approximately 24 hours to allow Japan public health authorities the opportunity to review the health status of all guests and crew on board.

On the previous voyage, a guest from Hong Kong, embarked in Yokohama on January 20, sailed one segment of the itinerary and disembarked in Hong Kong on January 25. He visited a local Hong Kong hospital, six days after leaving the ship, where he later tested positive for coronavirus on February 1. While on the ship he did not visit the ship’s medical center to report any symptoms or illness. The hospital reports that he is in stable condition and the family members traveling with him remain symptom-free.

The safety, security, and well-being of all guests and crew is our absolute priority. The review of the arriving guests and crew, by Japanese health authorities, is standard practice after a guest tested positive for coronavirus and we are working closely with the local authorities to provide detailed records to facilitate their review.

Diamond Princess arrived in Yokohama early from a 14-day round trip itinerary, which departed from Yokohama (Tokyo) on January 20 and was scheduled to return on February 4. There are 2,666 guests and 1,045 crew on board. 

Nine passengers and a crew member on a cruise ship quarantined off Yokohama have tested positive for a new coronavirus originating in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, the health ministry said Wednesday.

The development prompted the Japanese government to ask all passengers and crew members to stay inside their rooms on the ship as much as possible for up to 14 days starting Wednesday as it continues screening and works to prevent the illness from spreading in the country.

By nationality, three of the 10 infected people in their 50s to 80s are Japanese, three are Chinese, two are Australians, one is an American and another is a Filipino, according to Carnival Japan Inc., the operator of the cruise ship Diamond Princess.

The vessel with 2,666 passengers and 1,045 crew members from 56 countries and regions aboard has been kept in quarantine at anchor off a pier in the Kanagawa Prefecture capital after a disembarked 80-year-old passenger from Hong Kong was found to be infected with the pneumonia-causing virus.

The ship headed for the Pacific Ocean in the afternoon to proceed with work necessary for its operation, such as creating fresh water and managing ballast water.

The city of Yokohama said the vessel will dock Thursday morning to restock food and other supplies.

The Japan Coast Guard said one of its helicopters will deliver 7,200 masks to the ship to prevent the virus from spreading at the request of the health ministry. MORE

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