Two more Ukrainian crew members of the Diamond Princess cruise liner have contracted the Covid-2019 coronavirus, Ukrinform has reported, quoting the Foreign Ministry.
“By 26 February 2020, there have been four Ukrainian nationals who have been diagnosed with the Covid-19 virus, they were taken to Tokyo medical establishments. Currently, our compatriots’ condition is satisfactory. The consul is in contact with the hospitalized Ukrainians,” it said.
According to diplomats, 24 out of 25 Ukrainians they interviewed (they failed to contact one) do not want to return to Ukraine in the coming days. Instead, they are planning to undergo a quarantine in Japan.
“Ukraine’s embassy in Japan is in contact with the Ukrainian nationals on board the liner and in hospitals. It is in permanent contact with all the concerned services, in particular in order to settle possible problems our compatriots might have,” the Foreign Ministry said.
In early February, the Diamond Princess cruise liner was stopped for quarantine off Yokohama’s coast. There were over 3,700 people on board, including 25 Ukrainian crew members. Two Ukrainians tested positive for the coronavirus.
On 19 February, the quarantine was lifted and passengers who tested negative were allowed to disembark.