An outbreak of coronavirus was confirmed today on a Princess Cruises ship under quarantine in Japan.
Ten people on board Diamond Princess have tested positive for the virus.
They include two Australian passengers, three from Japan, three from Hong Kong, one from the US and a Filipino member of crew.
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The ship has 2,666 passengers and 1,045 crew on board. Around half of the passengers are from Japan and there are 14 from the UK who booked via the company’s UK office.
Passengers are currently quarantined to their cabins with food and drink being brought to them via a daily menu, according to Princess Cruises.
The next two Diamond Princess cruises due to depart from Yokohama on February 4 and 12 have been cancelled.
The Foreign Office, in updated travel advice for Japan, said: “There has been a confirmed outbreak of coronavirus on the Diamond Princess cruise ship.
“This ship is currently in quarantine in Yokohama. Anyone on board should follow the advice of the authorities leading the response.
“British nationals requiring urgent consular assistance should contact the British Embassy in Tokyo on +81 3 5211 1100 or via web contact form.”
A spokesperson for the line said: “Princess Cruises can confirm that the first phase of health screening of all guests and crew onboard Diamond Princess by the Japanese Ministry of Health has been completed.
“We were notified that amongst the samples that have completed testing, ten people have tested positive for coronavirus.
“These ten persons, who have been notified, will be taken ashore by Japanese Coast Guard watercraft and transported to local hospitals for care by shoreside Japanese medical professionals.
“It has been confirmed that the ship will remain under quarantine in Yokohama. The length of the quarantine will be at least 14 days as required by the Ministry of Health.”
The spokesperson added: “The ship plans to go out to sea to perform normal marine operations including, but not limited to, the production of fresh water and ballast operations before proceeding alongside in Yokohama where food, provisions, and other supplies will be brought onboard.
“Guests will continue to be provided complimentary internet and telephone to use in order to stay in contact with their family and loved ones, and the ship’s crew is working to keep all guests comfortable.
“Princess Cruises will continue to fully co-operate with and follow the instructions of global medical authorities and the Japanese government.”
Tony Roberts, Princess Cruises’ vice president UK & Europe, said: “We would like to thank the trade for their support during this challenging time.
“We are continuing to work alongside agents to secure the best outcome for everyone concerned. When guests face significant issues we are fortunate we can rely on our trade partners, who always go above and beyond to provide help and assistance.”