Thousands quarantined on Asian cruise ships in virus fight

In this picture taken by a passenger, medical workers in protective suits walk on the cruise ship 'Diamond Princess' anchored off Yokohama, south of Tokyo. The 3,700 people on board faced a two-week quarantine in their cabins. - (@daxa_tw via AP)

YOKOHAMA, Japan (AFP): Thousands of people were stranded aboard two cruise ships in Asia on Thursday (Feb 6), quarantined by officials desperate to stem the spread of a deadly virus that has killed hundreds in China and spread panic worldwide.

At least 20 people on board one ocean liner off the Japanese coast have tested positive for the new coronavirus, with thousands more facing two weeks of isolation.