With the Wuhan virus continuing its rampant spread in Singapore, many would have already started taking the necessary precautions to stay indoors and avoid crowded areas.
While this is happening in Singapore, five Singaporeans and many others are on a cruise ship for vacation.
And although you may think that it’s a good thing because they can escape the virus, unfortunately, you’re wrong, because there are now 61 confirmed cases of the Wuhan virus onboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship and everyone onboard no choice but to confine themselves to the limited space of their cabins.
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41 Newly Confirmed Cases
A few days prior, it was reported that there were only 20 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, but it was just recently announced by the health ministry that 41 more people have tested positive for the coronavirus.
The cruise ship is currently quarantined off the coast of Yokohama and carries 2,666 passengers and 1,045 crew members.
The 41 cases comprise 21 Japanese, eight Americans, five Australians, five Canadians, and one each from Argentina and Britain. Three of them are between the ages of 20 and 39, three are in their 50s, eight in their 60s, 21 in their 70s, and six in their 80s. It has been reported that none of them are in serious condition.
Those who were found to be infected have already been ferried to hospitals in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, and Shizuoka for treatment.
The remaining 3,650 passengers and crew will have to be isolated for two weeks on board the Diamon Princess.
According to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japan will not allow any foreigners onboard cruise ships with suspected cases of the new coronavirus to enter Japan.
How Did They Get Infected?
Health Minister Katsunobu Kato said, “As they were staying together for a prolonged period in a closed environment, their contact was repeated. Our top priority is to check the health of passengers and crew of the cruise ship and take thorough measures to prevent infections.”
It all started when an 80-year-old passenger was found to have been infected with the virus. 273 people were then screened to see if they were infected. These 273 people were either in close contact with the infected passenger or had complained of flu symptoms.
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As of now, Mr Abe has ordered his government to take “all necessary steps” to curb the spread of the coronavirus within their country so that their economy will not be affected too greatly.
Singapore Passengers All Physically Well
Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed with The Straits Times that all five Singaporean passengers are physically well, so that’s definitely a relief.
The Singapore Embassy in Tokyo is also in contact with them to provide any necessary consular assistance.
Hopefully no new cases emerge and everyone will be safe.
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