Italian cruise ship crew tests positive for COVID-19 in Japan

Wednesday, 22 April 2020 10:27

Japanese officials have confirmed 33 coronavirus infections on an Italian-operated cruise ship docked for repairs.

It comes a day after the first case from the ship was reported.

During a media conference, Nagasaki's governor, Hodo Nakamura, appealed to the central government to help tackle the situation.

"There are a lot of infections on board, and we don't have the medical system to confirm the health situation and to separate those who test positive and negative," he said, adding that more tests are being conducted.

"We'll also need a system for transporting patients. It's difficult for the prefecture to carry out decontamination work so I want to seek the country's support."

Only crew members were on board the Costa Atlantica when it docked in Nagasaki city in late February.

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