Mexico has allowed a cruise ship carrying 6,000 people to dock after it was refused entry by Jamaica and Cayman Islands after a crew member tested positive for regular seasonal flu.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-suspends-mecca-and-medinas-religious-trips-over-coronavirus-fears-282984">Also Read: Saudi Arabia suspends Mecca and Medina's religious trips over coronavirus fears</a>

The MSC Meraviglia arrived off Cozumel late Wednesday after receiving authorization from the local health authorities, MSC Cruises said in a statement.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-in-iran-holds-threat-to-pakistan-coronavirus-outbreak-283093/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

The cruise ship said it was "extremely disappointed" on Jamaican authorities after it delayed ship clearance despite being shown medical records.

"In both instances, the ship was effectively turned away simply based on fears," MSC said.&nbsp;

"No other cases of type A influenza have been reported on board MSC Meraviglia. Moreover, no cases of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-accuses-chinese-trolls-of-sowing-virus-panic-283065">COVID-19</a> virus have been reported on board MSC Meraviglia or any other ship in MSC Cruises' fleet," it added.

Cruise ships have become the focus of attention worldwide after British-registered Diamond Princess confirmed several cases of coronavirus with three deaths since the ship docked at a Japanese port on February 3.

MSC Cruises said the person with the seasonal flu was isolated and no other case of type A influenza was discovered on board.

The crew member who was diagnosed with common seasonal flu is in a stable condition, receiving anti-viral treatment and medication, and is now free of fever and nearly recovered," it said.

At least 30 countries have reported cases of coronavirus with the disease now spreading to Latin America including South Korea, Iran and Italy.

In China, at least 80,000 people have been infected with over 2,700 killed ever since it was first reported on December 31.

Mexico has allowed a cruise ship carrying 6,000 people to dock after it was refused entry by Jamaica and Cayman Islands after a crew member tested positive for regular seasonal flu.

Mexico has allowed a cruise ship carrying 6,000 people to dock after it was refused entry by Jamaica and Cayman Islands after a crew member tested positive for regular seasonal flu. Also Read: Saudi Arabia suspends Mecca and Medina's religious trips over coronavirus fears The MSC Meraviglia arrived off Cozumel late Wednesday after receiving authorization from the local health authorities, MSC Cruises said in a statement. Watch Video: The cruise ship said it was "extremely disappointed" on Jamaican authorities after it delayed ship clearance despite being shown medical records. "In both instances, the ship was effectively turned away simply based on fears," MSC said. "No other cases of type A influenza have been reported on board MSC Meraviglia. Moreover, no cases of COVID-19 virus have been reported on board MSC Meraviglia or any other ship in MSC Cruises' fleet," it added. Cruise ships have become the focus of attention worldwide after British-registered Diamond Princess confirmed several cases of coronavirus with three deaths since the ship docked at a Japanese port on February 3. MSC Cruises said the person with the seasonal flu was isolated and no other case of type A influenza was discovered on board. The crew member who was diagnosed with common seasonal flu is in a stable condition, receiving anti-viral treatment and medication, and is now free of fever and nearly recovered," it said. At least 30 countries have reported cases of coronavirus with the disease now spreading to Latin America including South Korea, Iran and Italy. In China, at least 80,000 people have been infected with over 2,700 killed ever since it was first reported on December 31.

Mexico allows cruise ship to dock after Jamaica, Cayman Islands refuse over coronavirus fears

Crew members from a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-former-passengers-of-japan-virus-cruise-ship-die-281840">coronavirus</a>-stricken cruise ship off&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-former-passengers-of-japan-virus-cruise-ship-die-281840">Japan</a>&nbsp;began leaving the vessel Thursday for a new quarantine on-shore after passengers left the boat, the government said.

"Today, 240 crew members are leaving the ship and this disembarking operation will continue for a couple of days," a health ministry official said.

Those leaving the boat will be placed in medical observation for 14 days at government-designated dormitories before being allowed to leave&nbsp;Japan, they said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-former-passengers-of-japan-virus-cruise-ship-die-281840">Two former passengers of Japan virus cruise ship die</a>

Hundreds of crew members of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-former-passengers-of-japan-virus-cruise-ship-die-281840">Diamond Princess</a> remained on the vessels to continue operations while Japanese officials placed thousands of passengers in quarantine after the ship arrived at a port near Tokyo on February 3.

But the quarantine has been heavily criticised after more than 700 people on board tested positive for the virus.

Hundreds of passengers who tested negative were allowed to depart the vessel after the 14-day quarantine on-board, but several have since been diagnosed with the virus.

The health ministry has also admitted that it allowed some travellers to go home without testing them during the quarantine period.

The ship carried about 3,700 passengers and crew members when it reached the port of Yokohama.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/quarantined-passengers-on-virus-hit-diamond-princess-cruise-liner-start-disembarking-281532">Quarantined passengers&nbsp;on coronavirus-hit cruise liner Diamond Princess&nbsp;start disembarking</a>

Several nations, including the US, Australia and the Philippines, have used chartered flights to repatriate hundreds of their citizens.

Passengers and crew members who tested positive for the virus have been sent to hospitals in&nbsp;Japan.

A total of four people who were hospitalised after being taken off the ship have died.

Several government officials working on the ship have themselves contracted the infection, but authorities have defended a policy of not uniformly testing those working on the vessel, arguing that medical experts have the skills to avoid infections.

The crew who show no symptoms will stay at National Tax College dormitories in Saitama, near Tokyo, for observation.

Japan's government used the dorms to conduct a 14-day quarantine of some Japanese nationals who evacuated from Wuhan and its surrounding areas of China, the epicentre of the outbreak.

Aside from the cruise ship,&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;has seen at least 186 cases of infections among the general population. Three deaths related to the virus have been recorded.

Crew members from a coronavirus-stricken cruise ship off Japan began leaving the vessel Thursday for a new quarantine on-shore after passengers left the boat, the government said.

Crew members from a coronavirus-stricken cruise ship off Japan began leaving the vessel Thursday for a new quarantine on-shore after passengers left the boat, the government said. "Today, 240 crew members are leaving the ship and this disembarking operation will continue for a couple of days," a health ministry official said. Those leaving the boat will be placed in medical observation for 14 days at government-designated dormitories before being allowed to leave Japan, they said. Also read: Two former passengers of Japan virus cruise ship die Hundreds of crew members of the Diamond Princess remained on the vessels to continue operations while Japanese officials placed thousands of passengers in quarantine after the ship arrived at a port near Tokyo on February 3. But the quarantine has been heavily criticised after more than 700 people on board tested positive for the virus. Hundreds of passengers who tested negative were allowed to depart the vessel after the 14-day quarantine on-board, but several have since been diagnosed with the virus. The health ministry has also admitted that it allowed some travellers to go home without testing them during the quarantine period. The ship carried about 3,700 passengers and crew members when it reached the port of Yokohama. Also read: Quarantined passengers on coronavirus-hit cruise liner Diamond Princess start disembarking Several nations, including the US, Australia and the Philippines, have used chartered flights to repatriate hundreds of their citizens. Passengers and crew members who tested positive for the virus have been sent to hospitals in Japan. A total of four people who were hospitalised after being taken off the ship have died. Several government officials working on the ship have themselves contracted the infection, but authorities have defended a policy of not uniformly testing those working on the vessel, arguing that medical experts have the skills to avoid infections. The crew who show no symptoms will stay at National Tax College dormitories in Saitama, near Tokyo, for observation. Japan's government used the dorms to conduct a 14-day quarantine of some Japanese nationals who evacuated from Wuhan and its surrounding areas of China, the epicentre of the outbreak. Aside from the cruise ship, Japan has seen at least 186 cases of infections among the general population. Three deaths related to the virus have been recorded.

Crew leaves Japan virus-hit ship for new quarantine

Hundreds of people began disembarking a cruise ship quarantined in Japan on Wednesday as criticism mounted of Japan's handling of an onboard outbreak of the new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-chinas-coronavirus-passes-2000-passengers-begin-leaving-japan-cruise-ship-281458">coronavirus </a>that has infected more than 540 people.

The death toll from the coronavirus in mainland <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-chinas-coronavirus-passes-2000-passengers-begin-leaving-japan-cruise-ship-281458">China </a>passed 2,000 but the number of new cases there fell for a second straight day, offering a sliver of hope and helping Asian shares and US&nbsp;stock futures rise.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-chinas-coronavirus-passes-2000-passengers-begin-leaving-japan-cruise-ship-281458">Death toll in China's coronavirus passes 2,000 as another person dies in Hong Kong</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-chinas-coronavirus-passes-2000-passengers-begin-leaving-japan-cruise-ship-281458">China</a>, the world's second-largest economy, is struggling to get its manufacturing sector back on track after imposing severe travel restrictions to contain a virus that emerged in the central province of Hubei late last year.

In Japan, hundreds of people disembarked from the British-flagged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/quarantined-passengers-on-virus-hit-diamond-princess-cruise-liner-start-disembarking-281532">Diamond Princess</a> cruise liner docked at Yokohama near Tokyo, ending an ordeal that began when the ship was quarantined on February&nbsp;3 after a former passenger was diagnosed with the virus in Hong Kong.

"I am very keen to get off this ship," Australian passenger Vicki Presland told Reuters over a social-media link. She was among a group of Australians getting off to catch an evacuation flight back to 14 days of quarantine in the city of Darwin.

The outbreak on the liner, owned by Carnival Corp, resulted in the biggest concentration of new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-chinas-coronavirus-passes-2000-passengers-begin-leaving-japan-cruise-ship-281458">coronavirus </a>infections outside <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-chinas-coronavirus-passes-2000-passengers-begin-leaving-japan-cruise-ship-281458">China </a>despite more than two weeks of quarantine for its approximately 3,700 passengers and crew on board.

As questions swirled over how the virus spread so readily on the ship, Health Minister Katsunobu Kato defended Japan's efforts.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/quarantined-passengers-on-virus-hit-diamond-princess-cruise-liner-start-disembarking-281532">Quarantined passengers&nbsp;on coronavirus-hit cruise liner Diamond Princess&nbsp;start disembarking</a>

"Unfortunately, cases of infection have emerged, but we have to the extent possible taken appropriate steps to prevent serious cases, including sending infected people to the hospital," Kato said in a report by state broadcaster NHK.

The US&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-has-not-yet-accepted-us-help-with-coronavirus-white-house-adviser-278185">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> (CDC) said Japan's efforts might have slowed down the virus but were not enough.

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-has-not-yet-accepted-us-help-with-coronavirus-white-house-adviser-278185">CDC's </a>assessment is that it may not have been sufficient to prevent transmission among individuals on the ship," it said in a statement.

Japan has repeatedly said its response to the outbreak on the ship has been appropriate.

The United States has flown home more than 300 American evacuees from the ship and other countries are queuing up to collect their citizens, including Australians.

Like Australia, the United States and other countries are making citizens spend 14 days in quarantine upon their return.

With Japan just months away from hosting the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/united-by-emotion-tokyo-2020-unveils-games-motto-281182">2020 Olympic Games</a>, critics say the government's response has seemed more concerned with managing public perception than the outbreak.

From the start, experts raised questions about quarantine on the ship. Passengers weren't confined to their rooms until Feb. 5. The day before, as officials screened them, onboard events continued, including dances, quiz games and an exercise class, one passenger said.

Only passengers who test negative and do not show symptoms are being allowed to leave the ship. Those who have tested negative but were in cabins with infected people would remain on board for additional quarantine, Japanese officials said.

Hundreds of people began disembarking a cruise ship quarantined in Japan on Wednesday as criticism mounted of Japan's handling of an onboard outbreak of the new coronavirus that has infected more than 540 people.

Hundreds of people began disembarking a cruise ship quarantined in Japan on Wednesday as criticism mounted of Japan's handling of an onboard outbreak of the new coronavirus that has infected more than 540 people. The death toll from the coronavirus in mainland China passed 2,000 but the number of new cases there fell for a second straight day, offering a sliver of hope and helping Asian shares and US stock futures rise. Also read: Death toll in China's coronavirus passes 2,000 as another person dies in Hong Kong China, the world's second-largest economy, is struggling to get its manufacturing sector back on track after imposing severe travel restrictions to contain a virus that emerged in the central province of Hubei late last year. In Japan, hundreds of people disembarked from the British-flagged Diamond Princess cruise liner docked at Yokohama near Tokyo, ending an ordeal that began when the ship was quarantined on February 3 after a former passenger was diagnosed with the virus in Hong Kong. "I am very keen to get off this ship," Australian passenger Vicki Presland told Reuters over a social-media link. She was among a group of Australians getting off to catch an evacuation flight back to 14 days of quarantine in the city of Darwin. The outbreak on the liner, owned by Carnival Corp, resulted in the biggest concentration of new coronavirus infections outside China despite more than two weeks of quarantine for its approximately 3,700 passengers and crew on board. As questions swirled over how the virus spread so readily on the ship, Health Minister Katsunobu Kato defended Japan's efforts. Also read: Quarantined passengers on coronavirus-hit cruise liner Diamond Princess start disembarking "Unfortunately, cases of infection have emerged, but we have to the extent possible taken appropriate steps to prevent serious cases, including sending infected people to the hospital," Kato said in a report by state broadcaster NHK. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Japan's efforts might have slowed down the virus but were not enough. "CDC's assessment is that it may not have been sufficient to prevent transmission among individuals on the ship," it said in a statement. Japan has repeatedly said its response to the outbreak on the ship has been appropriate. The United States has flown home more than 300 American evacuees from the ship and other countries are queuing up to collect their citizens, including Australians. Like Australia, the United States and other countries are making citizens spend 14 days in quarantine upon their return. With Japan just months away from hosting the 2020 Olympic Games, critics say the government's response has seemed more concerned with managing public perception than the outbreak. From the start, experts raised questions about quarantine on the ship. Passengers weren't confined to their rooms until Feb. 5. The day before, as officials screened them, onboard events continued, including dances, quiz games and an exercise class, one passenger said. Only passengers who test negative and do not show symptoms are being allowed to leave the ship. Those who have tested negative but were in cabins with infected people would remain on board for additional quarantine, Japanese officials said.

Criticism of Japan's effort on coronavirus cruise ship as passengers leave

Hundreds of passengers started disembarking the quarantined cruise ship docked at Yokohama near Tokyo on Wednesday, after a controversial two-week quarantine. Japanese passengers with suitcases and bags were seen walking outside to get on buses and taxis that were prepared to take them to a nearby public transportation terminal for buses and trains, reported news agency Reuters.

Hundreds of passengers started disembarking the quarantined cruise ship docked at Yokohama near Tokyo on Wednesday, after a controversial two-week quarantine. Japanese passengers with suitcases and bags were seen walking outside to get on buses and taxis that were prepared to take them to a nearby public transportation terminal for buses and trains, reported news agency Reuters. One passenger declined to be identified said he was relieved to be finally out of the ship. The Diamond Princess, operated by Carnival Corp, was quarantined on arrival in the port of Yokohama since February 3, after a man who disembarked in Hong Kong before it travelled to Japan was diagnosed with the virus. The biggest concentration of infections outside China has been on the liner with more than 540 people infected out of about 3,700 passengers and crew on board when the quarantine was imposed. Only passengers who had tested negative for the virus and did not show symptoms during quarantine are allowed to leave the ship. Those who tested negative but were in cabins with infected people would remain on board for additional quarantine, Japanese officials said. Meanwhile, the governments of Australia, Hong Kong and Canada are preparing to evacuate the disembarking passengers n chartered flights. (With inputs from Reuters)

Quarantined passengers on coronavirus-hit cruise liner Diamond Princess start disembarking

Another 88 people aboard a cruise ship off Japan have tested positive for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-99-more-coronavirus-cases-confirmed-in-diamond-princess-japanese-cruise-281124">coronavirus</a>, authorities said Tuesday, as those free of the disease hoped they were spending their last night on board before disembarking.

The new cases take the total from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-99-more-coronavirus-cases-confirmed-in-diamond-princess-japanese-cruise-281124">Diamond Princess</a> to 542 easily the biggest cluster outside the epicentre in China as the cruise ship has proved an especially virulent breeding ground for the virus despite quarantine.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-99-more-coronavirus-cases-confirmed-in-diamond-princess-japanese-cruise-281124">99 more confirmed with coronavirus on Japanese cruise</a>

The new cases will be sent to specialised hospitals, the ministry said in a statement, without giving further details such as their nationalities.

Sixty-five of those who tested positive were not yet showing symptoms.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-another-70-people-test-positive-for-coronavirus-on-diamond-princess-cruise-ship-in-japan-280913">Britain</a>&nbsp;became the latest country to offer its citizens a way off the boat, saying it was "working to organise a flight back to the UK" as doubts grow over the effectiveness of the quarantine measures with every spike in positive cases.

Canada, Australia, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-quarantine-cruise-ship-on-which-coronavirus-patient-sailed-278445">Hong Kong</a> and South Korea have already said they will evacuate their citizens from the ship, following the lead from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-evacuate-american-citizens-aboard-quarantined-cruise-ship-in-japan-280786">United States</a>, which flew home around 300 Americans on Monday including more than a dozen who had tested positive.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-evacuate-american-citizens-aboard-quarantined-cruise-ship-in-japan-280786">US to evacuate American citizens aboard quarantined cruise ship in Japan</a>

"We have done tests for everyone (on the ship)," Japanese Health Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-japan-allows-elderly-to-leave-the-diamond-princess-44-new-cases-confirmed-on-cruise-liner-280409">Katsunobu Kato</a> told reporters.

"Some results have already come out... and for those whose test results are already clear, we are working to prepare disembarkation," he said.

In a letter sent to passengers, authorities explained that some test results would take time to process and that therefore "we plan the disembarkation to take place from 19 to 21 February".

"If you and your roommate are both negative and have no fever of respiratory symptoms, you will be able to prepare for disembarkation," the letter said.

But those who had close contact with anyone who tested positive will have their quarantine reset to the last date.

The crew, some of whom have complained about conditions on board, are also expected to remain to observe another quarantine period after the last passengers leave the ship.

Japan has been forced to defend its policy amid criticism for the way it handled the situation, with dozens of new infections detected almost daily since the ship arrived in early February.

Another 88 people aboard a cruise ship off Japan have tested positive for the coronavirus, authorities said Tuesday, as those free of the disease hoped they were spending their last night on board before disembarking.

Another 88 people aboard a cruise ship off Japan have tested positive for the coronavirus, authorities said Tuesday, as those free of the disease hoped they were spending their last night on board before disembarking. The new cases take the total from the Diamond Princess to 542 easily the biggest cluster outside the epicentre in China as the cruise ship has proved an especially virulent breeding ground for the virus despite quarantine. Also read: 99 more confirmed with coronavirus on Japanese cruise The new cases will be sent to specialised hospitals, the ministry said in a statement, without giving further details such as their nationalities. Sixty-five of those who tested positive were not yet showing symptoms. Britain became the latest country to offer its citizens a way off the boat, saying it was "working to organise a flight back to the UK" as doubts grow over the effectiveness of the quarantine measures with every spike in positive cases. Canada, Australia, Hong Kong and South Korea have already said they will evacuate their citizens from the ship, following the lead from the United States, which flew home around 300 Americans on Monday including more than a dozen who had tested positive. Also read: US to evacuate American citizens aboard quarantined cruise ship in Japan "We have done tests for everyone (on the ship)," Japanese Health Minister Katsunobu Kato told reporters. "Some results have already come out... and for those whose test results are already clear, we are working to prepare disembarkation," he said. In a letter sent to passengers, authorities explained that some test results would take time to process and that therefore "we plan the disembarkation to take place from 19 to 21 February". "If you and your roommate are both negative and have no fever of respiratory symptoms, you will be able to prepare for disembarkation," the letter said. But those who had close contact with anyone who tested positive will have their quarantine reset to the last date. The crew, some of whom have complained about conditions on board, are also expected to remain to observe another quarantine period after the last passengers leave the ship. Japan has been forced to defend its policy amid criticism for the way it handled the situation, with dozens of new infections detected almost daily since the ship arrived in early February.

Coronavirus cases top 500 on cruise ship off Japan

Nearly 99 more people on the cruise ship off Yokohama have been confirmed infected with novel coronavirus, Japanese media reported on Monday.

With the additional cases, the total number of positive cases on the Diamond Princess rose to 454.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/millions-quarantined-in-china-as-coronavirus-death-toll-rises-to-1770-281002">Millions quarantined in China as coronavirus death toll rises to 1,770</a>

Japan's health ministry has not confirmed the reports so far.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/americans-fly-home-from-coronavirus-hit-cruise-china-says-new-cases-slow-280996">40 Americans on cruise ship infected with coronavirus; China reports third straight drop</a>

After China, the cruise moored in Yokohama near Tokyo has the next highest number of cases.

Passengers on the cruise have largely been confined to quarters since February 5 and are occasionally allowed to take the air on deck with face masks.

The quarantine period for the people on the ship was over on Wednesday. Many countries have started repatriating their citizens after an alarming climb in cases on board.

The US was the first country to start the repatriation and Australia, Canada, Italy, and Hong Kong have signaled they would take a similar path.

On land, coronavirus-infected cases jumped to 65 in Japan.

The massive outbreak has so far killed more than 1,700 people, with China recording most of the casualties.

&nbsp;

Nearly 99 more people on the cruise ship off Yokohama have been confirmed infected with novel coronavirus, Japanese media reported on Monday. With the additional cases, the total number of positive cases on the Diamond Princess rose to 454.

Nearly 99 more people on the cruise ship off Yokohama have been confirmed infected with novel coronavirus, Japanese media reported on Monday. With the additional cases, the total number of positive cases on the Diamond Princess rose to 454. Also read: Millions quarantined in China as coronavirus death toll rises to 1,770 Japan's health ministry has not confirmed the reports so far. Also read: 40 Americans on cruise ship infected with coronavirus; China reports third straight drop After China, the cruise moored in Yokohama near Tokyo has the next highest number of cases. Passengers on the cruise have largely been confined to quarters since February 5 and are occasionally allowed to take the air on deck with face masks. The quarantine period for the people on the ship was over on Wednesday. Many countries have started repatriating their citizens after an alarming climb in cases on board. The US was the first country to start the repatriation and Australia, Canada, Italy, and Hong Kong have signaled they would take a similar path. On land, coronavirus-infected cases jumped to 65 in Japan. The massive outbreak has so far killed more than 1,700 people, with China recording most of the casualties.

99 more confirmed with coronavirus on Japanese cruise; total cases jump to 454

Another 70 people on board a quarantined cruise ship in Japan have tested positive for the coronavirus, bringing the total number of cases from the vessel to 355, Japanese health minister Katsunobu Kato said on Sunday.

Another 70 people on board a quarantined cruise ship in Japan have tested positive for the coronavirus, bringing the total number of cases from the vessel to 355, Japanese health minister Katsunobu Kato said on Sunday. The Diamond Princess, owned by Carnival Corp, has been quarantined since arriving in Yokohama, southwest of Tokyo, on Feb. 3, after a man who disembarked in Hong Kong before it travelled to Japan was diagnosed with the virus. The ship, with some 3,700 passengers and crew on board, has the most coronavirus infections outside China. Those testing positive are transferred to Japanese hospitals. Also Read: At least 65 more coronavirus cases confirmed on cruise ship in Japan, captain says No one from the ship has died of the virus. "We must anticipate a spread of infections from now and must build medical system and so on to focus efforts to prevent people from becoming gravely ill or dying," Kato said in a programme on state broadcaster NHK. "We will make the people feel at ease by providing information in a timely manner, and continue to forestall measures," he said. The United States, Canada and Hong Kong are sending aircraft to Japan to bring back their citizens on board the ship. The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo said passengers and crew on board the ship were at high risk of exposure to the virus and it recommended that its citizens get off and take one of the flights home. | [ A passenger wearing a mask stands on the deck of the cruise ship Diamond Princess (Courtesy: Reuters) ] "This is a rapidly evolving situation and we are taking additional steps to assist U.S. citizens," it said. The embassy said all passengers would be screened before being allowed to board the chartered flights and everyone would be quarantined for 14 days upon arrival back in the United States. "No symptomatic or infected passengers will be allowed to board," it said. Clyde Smith, 80, who was evacuated from the ship to a Tokyo hospital after testing positive for the virus told Reuters on Sunday he had not been told if would be allowed on a U.S. evacuation plane. Hong Kong authorities said they were also sending chartered flights to bring Hong Kong residents and Canada has also chartered a plane to repatriate Canadians on the ship, its government said. Latest figures from Beijing on Sunday showed 68,500 cases of the illness and 1,665 deaths, mostly in Hubei province. Japan has had 53 cases of the coronavirus, apart from those on the ship, NHK reported, with one of only four deaths from the virus outside mainland China in Japan. Hong Kong, the Philippines and France have all had single virus deaths.

Another 70 people test positive for coronavirus on Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan

The US&nbsp;State Department will evacuate some American citizens and their families aboard the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-japan-allows-elderly-to-leave-the-diamond-princess-44-new-cases-confirmed-on-cruise-liner-280409">Diamond Princess</a> cruise ship, the biggest cluster of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-65-more-coronavirus-cases-confirmed-on-cruise-ship-in-japan-captain-says-279851">coronavirus </a>infections outside China, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.

About 380 people will be offered seats on two evacuation flights from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-japan-allows-elderly-to-leave-the-diamond-princess-44-new-cases-confirmed-on-cruise-liner-280409">Japan </a>back to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-citizen-dies-of-coronavirus-in-chinas-wuhanus-embassy-spokesman-in-beijing-279399">United States</a>, the Journal said, citing an official of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-citizen-dies-of-coronavirus-in-chinas-wuhanus-embassy-spokesman-in-beijing-279399">US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> (CDC).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-japan-allows-elderly-to-leave-the-diamond-princess-44-new-cases-confirmed-on-cruise-liner-280409">Japan allows elderly to leave cruise liner after 44 new cases confirmed</a>

The evacuees will arrive in the United States as early as Sunday, the newspaper said, citing Henry Walke, director of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-citizen-dies-of-coronavirus-in-chinas-wuhanus-embassy-spokesman-in-beijing-279399">CDC's </a>Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections.

The CDC was not immediately available for comment. Officials at Japan's foreign ministry and health ministry were also not available for a comment.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-65-more-coronavirus-cases-confirmed-on-cruise-ship-in-japan-captain-says-279851">At least 65 more coronavirus cases confirmed on cruise ship in Japan</a>

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-65-more-coronavirus-cases-confirmed-on-cruise-ship-in-japan-captain-says-279851">Diamond Princess </a>cruise ship, owned by Carnival Corp, has been quarantined since arriving in Yokohama, Japan, on February&nbsp;3, with 3,500 passengers and crew on board, of whom 218 have tested positive for the coronavirus infection.

The liner was quarantined in Yokohama after a man who disembarked in Hong Kong before it travelled to Japan was diagnosed with the virus.

Those who have tested positive for the virus have been taken off the ship to hospital.

The US State Department will evacuate some American citizens and their families aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship, the biggest cluster of coronavirus infections outside China, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.

The US State Department will evacuate some American citizens and their families aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship, the biggest cluster of coronavirus infections outside China, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday. About 380 people will be offered seats on two evacuation flights from Japan back to the United States, the Journal said, citing an official of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Also read: Japan allows elderly to leave cruise liner after 44 new cases confirmed The evacuees will arrive in the United States as early as Sunday, the newspaper said, citing Henry Walke, director of the CDC's Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections. The CDC was not immediately available for comment. Officials at Japan's foreign ministry and health ministry were also not available for a comment. Also read: At least 65 more coronavirus cases confirmed on cruise ship in Japan The Diamond Princess cruise ship, owned by Carnival Corp, has been quarantined since arriving in Yokohama, Japan, on February 3, with 3,500 passengers and crew on board, of whom 218 have tested positive for the coronavirus infection. The liner was quarantined in Yokohama after a man who disembarked in Hong Kong before it travelled to Japan was diagnosed with the virus. Those who have tested positive for the virus have been taken off the ship to hospital.

US to evacuate American citizens aboard quarantined cruise ship in Japan

Two Indians aboard Japan's cruise liner Diamond Princess have tested positive for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/race-against-time-china-battles-coronavirus-as-death-toll-crosses-1000-108-deaths-in-last-24-hours-280135">coronavirus</a>.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/news-breaking-update-Coronavirus-death-toll-surges-to-highest-in-one-day-in-China-Hubei-province">Also Read:&nbsp;Coronavirus death toll surges to highest in one day in China's Hubei province</a>

The number of those quarantined has risen to 218 on the luxury liner. There are at least 3,500 people onboard the ship.

The cruise ship has been under watch by&nbsp;Japan authorities off the coast of Yokohama.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-commits-suicide-suspecting-coronavirus-280407/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Thursday, Japan's health minister said that some elderly passengers on the&nbsp;quarantined <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-japan-allows-elderly-to-leave-the-diamond-princess-44-new-cases-confirmed-on-cruise-liner-280409">cruise liner</a> would be allowed to disembark.

The British-flagged liner which had arrived in Yokohama, near Tokyo, on February 3 has been kept quarantined till February 19.

Japan has imposed strict quarantine guidelines on those returning from China's Wuhan which is the epicentre of the virus. Several passengers who had arrived in the country from charter flights were kept in hotels or other facilities as they returned home. They have now been released.

Fears of further spread of the virus spreading continued as China's health ministry said the death toll in coronavirus had leaped to 242 in just one day in Hubei province on Thursday.

Hubei's health commission said another 14,840 new cases were reported in the area. The previous record rise in the toll was 103 on February 10.

Two Indians aboard Japan's cruise liner Diamond Princess have tested positive for coronavirus. Also Read: Coronavirus death toll surges to highest in one day in China's Hubei province The number of those quarantined has risen to 218 on the luxury liner.

Two Indians aboard Japan's cruise liner Diamond Princess have tested positive for coronavirus. Also Read: Coronavirus death toll surges to highest in one day in China's Hubei province The number of those quarantined has risen to 218 on the luxury liner. There are at least 3,500 people onboard the ship. The cruise ship has been under watch by Japan authorities off the coast of Yokohama. Watch Video: On Thursday, Japan's health minister said that some elderly passengers on the quarantined cruise liner would be allowed to disembark. The British-flagged liner which had arrived in Yokohama, near Tokyo, on February 3 has been kept quarantined till February 19. Japan has imposed strict quarantine guidelines on those returning from China's Wuhan which is the epicentre of the virus. Several passengers who had arrived in the country from charter flights were kept in hotels or other facilities as they returned home. They have now been released. Fears of further spread of the virus spreading continued as China's health ministry said the death toll in coronavirus had leaped to 242 in just one day in Hubei province on Thursday. Hubei's health commission said another 14,840 new cases were reported in the area. The previous record rise in the toll was 103 on February 10.

Two Indians aboard cruise liner off Japan coast test positive for coronavirus

Passenger tests aboard the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world%20-news-ten-passengers-aboard-a-cruise-ship-in-japan-test-positive-for-coronavirus-278655">Diamond Princess </a>cruise ship in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world%20-news-ten-passengers-aboard-a-cruise-ship-in-japan-test-positive-for-coronavirus-278655">Japan </a>confirmed at least 65 more cases of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world%20-news-ten-passengers-aboard-a-cruise-ship-in-japan-test-positive-for-coronavirus-278655">coronavirus </a>on Monday, according to the vessel's captain, as some passengers took to social media to warn against depression over their confinement.

The figure announced to passengers after a statement by the cruise operator put the new infections at 66, takes the tally on board to 135, showing a rapid rise in the outbreak on the ship docked in the port of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world%20-news-ten-passengers-aboard-a-cruise-ship-in-japan-test-positive-for-coronavirus-278655">Yokohama</a>.

Among the new cases are 45 Japanese and 11 Americans, the ship's operator, Princess Cruises, said in the earlier statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world%20-news-ten-passengers-aboard-a-cruise-ship-in-japan-test-positive-for-coronavirus-278655">Ten passengers aboard a cruise ship in Japan test positive for coronavirus</a>

"This is not news that anyone of us wanted to receive," the captain told passengers in a broadcast over speakers in their cabins.

"However, we have been also advised since we are in the early quarantine period of 14 days, it was not unexpected," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world%20-news-ten-passengers-aboard-a-cruise-ship-in-japan-test-positive-for-coronavirus-278655">Japan</a>'s health ministry confirmed the 65 cases in a statement.

The Diamond Princess was placed in quarantine for two weeks upon arriving in Yokohama, south of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world%20-news-ten-passengers-aboard-a-cruise-ship-in-japan-test-positive-for-coronavirus-278655">Tokyo</a>, on February&nbsp;3, after a man who disembarked in Hong Kong was diagnosed with the virus.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-quarantine-cruise-ship-on-which-coronavirus-patient-sailed-278445">Japan to quarantine cruise ship after Hong Kong man tests positive for coronavirus</a>

About 3,700 people are aboard the ship, which usually has a crew of 1,100 and a passenger capacity of 2,670. Passengers have been allowed on decks in shifts to get fresh air and encouraged to regularly take their temperature.

People who have been in close contact with newly confirmed cases on the ship face a longer quarantine than the originally planned period until February 19, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-health-organisation-warns-overseas-virus-spread-may-be-tip-of-the-iceberg-279719">World Health Organization</a> said late on Sunday, without saying how many there were.

Japan's health ministry is recording infection counts on the ship and evacuee flights from China separately from the official tally. Domestic cases stand at 21.

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Japan would send a fifth chartered flight to China's central city of Wuhan, the epicentre of the virus outbreak, to bring citizens home.

The disease has killed 908 people, chiefly in mainland China, and infected more than 40,000.

The UK-flagged Diamond Princess is managed by Princess Cruise Lines, one of the world’s largest cruise lines and a unit of Carnival Corp.

Passenger tests aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan confirmed at least 65 more cases of coronavirus on Monday, according to the vessel's captain, as some passengers took to social media to warn against depression over their confinement.

Passenger tests aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan confirmed at least 65 more cases of coronavirus on Monday, according to the vessel's captain, as some passengers took to social media to warn against depression over their confinement. The figure announced to passengers after a statement by the cruise operator put the new infections at 66, takes the tally on board to 135, showing a rapid rise in the outbreak on the ship docked in the port of Yokohama. Among the new cases are 45 Japanese and 11 Americans, the ship's operator, Princess Cruises, said in the earlier statement. Also read: Ten passengers aboard a cruise ship in Japan test positive for coronavirus "This is not news that anyone of us wanted to receive," the captain told passengers in a broadcast over speakers in their cabins. "However, we have been also advised since we are in the early quarantine period of 14 days, it was not unexpected," he added. Japan's health ministry confirmed the 65 cases in a statement. The Diamond Princess was placed in quarantine for two weeks upon arriving in Yokohama, south of Tokyo, on February 3, after a man who disembarked in Hong Kong was diagnosed with the virus. Also read: Japan to quarantine cruise ship after Hong Kong man tests positive for coronavirus About 3,700 people are aboard the ship, which usually has a crew of 1,100 and a passenger capacity of 2,670. Passengers have been allowed on decks in shifts to get fresh air and encouraged to regularly take their temperature. People who have been in close contact with newly confirmed cases on the ship face a longer quarantine than the originally planned period until February 19, the World Health Organization said late on Sunday, without saying how many there were. Japan's health ministry is recording infection counts on the ship and evacuee flights from China separately from the official tally. Domestic cases stand at 21. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Japan would send a fifth chartered flight to China's central city of Wuhan, the epicentre of the virus outbreak, to bring citizens home. The disease has killed 908 people, chiefly in mainland China, and infected more than 40,000. The UK-flagged Diamond Princess is managed by Princess Cruise Lines, one of the world’s largest cruise lines and a unit of Carnival Corp.

At least 65 more coronavirus cases confirmed on cruise ship in Japan, captain says

Coronavirus affects Japanese cruise: The journey so far