10 on Japanese cruise ship infected with corona virus

TOKYO, Feb 5 (MENA) - Ten people on a cruise ship quarantined off Yokohama have tested positive for a new coronavirus originating in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, Kyodo reported quoting the health minister.

The ship, the Diamond Princess, with 2,666 passengers and 1,045 crew aboard has been kept in quarantine at anchor off a pier in Yokohama after a disembarked 80-year-old passenger from Hong Kong was found to be infected with the pneumonia-causing virus.

Of the passengers and crew, 120 who have symptoms including cough and fever and 153 who had close contact with the infected passenger were tested for the virus, the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry said.

Results for 31 people came back, and 10 in their 50s to 80s including three Japanese nationals were found to be infected and sent to a hospital. None are showing severe symptoms, and some have no symptoms at all, it said.

The government is asking all passengers and crew, who hail from 56 countries and regions, to stay on the ship for 14 days from Wednesday as it continues screening.

The elderly and those with pre-existing conditions will be tested for the virus as they tend to be worst affected if infected, the ministry said.

"We will take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of infections while giving full attention to the health of the passengers and crew," said health minister Katsunobu Kato at a press conference.