88 new coronavirus cases on Japan cruise ship: Health ministry

The Japanese health ministry on Tuesday (February 18) said 88 more people have tested positive for coronavirus infection on the quarantined Diamond Princess Cruise ship moored off the Japan coast. However, the Indian Embassy said no new cases were reported till 1800 JST (2:30 PM IST) on Tuesday.

The ministry said the new cases came from a total of 681 fresh results, taking the total number of positive cases on the Diamond Princess to 542. So far, six Indians have reportedly tested positive for the infection with two more cases being reported on Monday.

“Till 1800 (JST) today, no new coronavirus positive cases confirmed on Diamond Princess since yesterday. All six Indian crew members already receiving treatment for COVID – 19 are responding well to the treatment and their conditions are improving,” the Embassy said in a tweet on Tuesday.

Till 1800 (JST) today, no new #COVID-19 positive cases confirmed on #DiamondPrincess since yesterday. All six Indian crew members already receiving treatment for COVID – 19 are responding well to the treatment and their conditions are improving. @MEAIndia

— India in Japanインド大使館 (@IndianEmbTokyo) February 18, 2020

A total of 138 Indians, including 132 crew and six passengers, were among the 3,711 people on board the ship that arrived at the Japanese coast earlier this month. The ship was quarantined after a passenger who de-boarded last month in Hong Kong was found to be the carrier of the COVID-19 on the ship.

(With inputs from agencies)

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