Yokohama: Thousands of people were stranded aboard two cruise ships in Asia, 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.
The outbreak on the vessel, whose 3,700 passengers and crew hail from over 50 countries, is the latest development in a snowballing global health emergency that has left more than 560 people dead, most of them in China.
In Hong Kong, 3,600 people spent the night confined aboard the cruise ship World Dream as authorities conducted health checks after three former passengers tested positive for the virus.
Since emerging from central China in December the virus has killed 563 people and infected over 24,000 more – including a few hundred outside the mainland.
The World Health Organization, which has declared the outbreak a global health emergency, on Wednesday appealed for US$675mil (RM2.782bil) to fight the virus.
In Japan, more than 3,700 people were confined to quarters aboard the Diamond Princess, which has been held off the port city of Yokohama since Monday night.
Authorities decided to quarantine the ship and test hundreds on board after a former passenger who disembarked in Hong Kong last month tested positive for the virus.
Health Minister Katsunobu Kato told parliament yesterday that results for 102 people had now come in, with 20 testing positive.
In all, some 273 people on board were tested, including those who had close contact with the former passenger and others displaying potential symptoms.
Ten people diagnosed with the new virus have already been removed from the ship, which docked in Yokohama yesterday to resupply for a quarantine that could last until Feb 19. — AFP
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.
The outbreak on the vessel, whose 3,700 passengers and crew hail from over 50 countries, is the latest development in a snowballing global health emergency that has left more than 560 people dead, most of them in China.
In Hong Kong, 3,600 people spent the night confined aboard the cruise ship World Dream as authorities conducted health checks after three former passengers tested positive for the virus.
Since emerging from central China in December the virus has killed 563 people and infected over 24,000 more – including a few hundred outside the mainland.
The World Health Organization, which has declared the outbreak a global health emergency, on Wednesday appealed for US$675mil (RM2.782bil) to fight the virus.
In Japan, more than 3,700 people were confined to quarters aboard the Diamond Princess, which has been held off the port city of Yokohama since Monday night.
Authorities decided to quarantine the ship and test hundreds on board after a former passenger who disembarked in Hong Kong last month tested positive for the virus.
Health Minister Katsunobu Kato told parliament yesterday that results for 102 people had now come in, with 20 testing positive.
In all, some 273 people on board were tested, including those who had close contact with the former passenger and others displaying potential symptoms.
Ten people diagnosed with the new virus have already been removed from the ship, which docked in Yokohama yesterday to resupply for a quarantine that could last until Feb 19. — AFP
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