UPDATE: In a press conference held today, February 6th, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry confirmed that two Canadian passengers had tested positive for the coronavirus.
The passengers are in hospital now, receiving medical care and consular assistance.
Ten more people have contracted the illness — the number of confirmed cases has risen to 20.
Earlier:
More Canadians abroad have been affected by the coronavirus.
Last week, the Canadian government announced they would help citizens in China with children who were affected by the quarantines due to the threat of coronavirus.
And now, 251 Canadians have been quarantined on a cruise ship after 10 passengers tested positive for coronavirus.
Ten passengers on the Diamond Princess, a ship run by Princess Cruises, have tested positive for coronavirus by the Japanese Ministry of Health.
Due to the illness, the passengers — 2,666 guests and 1,045 crew members — are in a state of quarantine for at least two weeks. Approximately 250 of the guests are Canadian; another 400 are American; and around half the passengers are Japanese, Princess Cruises says.
The ship is moored just off of Yokohama, Japan.
See more: BC CDC shares information to clear up misconceptions about coronavirus transmission
Of the 10 infected passengers, none were Canadian — two are from Australia, three are from Japan, three are from Hong Kong, one is from the U.S., and the last is from the Philippines.
All 10 of them will be taken off the boat and transported to local hospitals for care by Japanese medical professionals.
Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean the rest of the passengers will get to leave.
“It has been confirmed that the ship will remain under quarantine in Yokohama,” said Princess Cruises in a statement. “The length of the quarantine will be at least 14 days as required by the Ministry of Health.”
Guests onboard the cruise ship will continue to have access to complimentary internet and phone services, in order to help them keep in touch with family members and loved ones.
“The ship’s crew is working to keep all guests comfortable,” Princess Cruises said.
Japanese and Canadian government involved
Two more cruises from Yokohama have also been cancelled.
“Princess Cruises will continue to fully cooperate with and follow the instructions of global medical authorities and the Japanese government,” their statement read.
In a press conference earlier today, Global Affairs Canada Minister François-Phillipe Champagne said his department had reached out to Canadians on board and offered consular assistance.
Victoria Buzz has reached out to Princess Cruises for more information but did not hear back before publication.
If you or someone you know has been affected by this quarantine, please feel free to reach out to Victoria Buzz at tips@victoriabuzz.com.
