99 more coronavirus cases on Japan cruise ship

Monday, 17 February 2020 14:01

The number of cases of coronavirus on a cruise ship off the Japan coast has climbed to 454, after 99 more people tested positive on Monday.

The Diamond Princess vessel, which docked in Yokohama on February 5, has become the second-largest cluster of coronavirus cases outside the epicentre in China.

The US has already evacuated its citizens from the ship even though the 14-day quarantine period ends only on Wednesday.

According to reports, Australia, Canada, Italy and Hong Kong have indicated they will follow suit.

Japan has so far reported 65 cases, with authorities cancelling a public celebration for the new emperor's birthday in a bid to stop the spread of the virus.

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