Japanese Cruise Ship Diamond Princess Reports 40 More Coronavirus Cases, Bringing Total To 175
Coronavirus – now officially named Covid-19 – tests aboard the Diamond Princess have confirmed another 40 cases.
The number comprises 39 passengers and 1 quarantine officer.
This now places the total number of infected aboard at 175, out of a total of 492 tested.
When the ship arrived in Yokohama on Tuesday (4 Feb), it had 3,711 passengers and crew.
Gradually that number has whittled down as more patients are identified and removed for treatment.
4 coronavirus patients in serious condition
Japanese health minister Katsunobu Kato has also confirmed that 4 patients from the ship are in critical condition, and require mechanical respiration.
Although only 300 passengers were initially tested when the ship first arrived, the spread of symptoms aboard has forced authorities to begin widening their scope.
Japan has now begun testing those displaying new symptoms and those who have come into close contact with confirmed cases.
Kato previously stated that his ministry had begun seriously considering a blanket testing regimen for the entire ship.
There is no word yet on whether the original quarantine period – slated to last till 19 Feb – will be extended.
A nightmare at sea
When MS News last reported on this issue on Monday (10 Feb), things weren’t looking great.
It would seem that things are only getting worse with this latest report.
As the ship languishes off Yokohama, anxious family members peer through the outer fences of the cordon, trying to catch a glimpse.
No one can say for certain what news tomorrow might bring.
Aboard the Diamond Princess, one can only imagine how difficult it must be to stay positive.
A British passenger, Sally Abel, relayed her current living conditions during a Facebook livestream, saying:
You sit out on the balcony and you hear people coughing all the way along.
Hope shines brightest when it’s dark
Nonetheless, there have been a few bright spots throughout this ordeal.
Passengers have noted the the ship’s captain has been a stalwart upon which many have come to rely on.
Inboard announcement 1. February 12 09:41
Positive response from 38 new people#DiamondPrincess #CoronavirusOutbreak #2019nCoV #Quarantine pic.twitter.com/46Bq0gKQy8— だぁ(On board the Diamond Princess / 乗船中乗客) (@daxa_tw) February 12, 2020
Material conditions aboard also seem to have improved, with meals looking much less spartan.
夜ごはん届きました。dinner. 19:07#ダイヤモンドプリンセス #DiamondPrincess #CoronavirusOutbreak #Quarantine pic.twitter.com/KDcJWB13S6
— だぁ(On board the Diamond Princess / 乗船中乗客) (@daxa_tw) February 11, 2020
Although it’s a grim time for all aboard, the crew and passengers have banded together to try and get through the crisis safely.
One passenger, Yardley Wong, posted on Twitter a photo of an encouraging note given to her son by crew members.
#day8 #coronavirus #CoronavirusOutbreak #quarantined on #DiamondPrincess son received the encouragement from #crewquarantined when delivered kids package. Thank you guys. 😘😘😘 #HanginthereDiamondPrincess pic.twitter.com/ztxSADdYDO
— Hong Kong 97 (@Hong_Kong97) February 12, 2020
An important reminder to all of us that when the chips are down, the best thing we can do is come together and help one another.
In other news, the operator behind the Diamond Princess, Princess Cruises, announced on 9 Feb that it will give a full refund to all passengers affected.
Guests will also not be charged for incidentals incurred during the additional time aboard, and will receive future cruise credit.
Although we suspect not too many people will be keen to take them up on their offer, it’s a nice gesture nonetheless.
Featured image adapted from CNN.
