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Both attended a family gathering of 29 at a restaurant in North Point on January 26. At least six other members at that gathering have been infected with the new deadly virus, while at least two are still in quarantine pending test results. https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3050681/coronavirus-hong-kong-confirms-three-news-cases

The first case involves a 41-year-old woman (the 54th case) who is the cousin of the 37-year-old male patient of the 53rd case confirmed yesterday (February 13). The patient has good past health and lives in Tai Long Wan Village, Shek O. She developed cough since February 3 and sought medical attention at Ruttonjee Hospital yesterday and was admitted for isolation and management. Her respiratory sample was tested positive for novel coronavirus and she is now in a stable condition. The patient had no travel history during the incubation period. She had dinner with the patients of five confirmed cases (the 46th, 48th, 49th, 52nd and 53rd case) at Star Seafood Restaurant in North Point on January 26 evening. According to the preliminary epidemiological investigations by the CHP, the patient has eight household close contacts. https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/14/P2020021400711.htm

A man is in critical condition after suffering shortness of breath for more than 10 days and has been intubated in Princess Margaret Hospital. Photo: AFP Hong Kong reported three more confirmed coronavirus infections as of Friday, bringing the total number of cases in the city to 56. The Centre for Health Protection said one of the three cases involved a man in critical condition after suffering shortness of breath for more than 10 days. He had to be intubated in Princess Margaret Hospital. He lives in Shek Lei Estate in Kwai Chung, and passed through the Lok Ma Chau border crossing on January 22. Another person who tested positive for the virus, which causes the disease known as Covid-19, was the cousin of a previously infected case. Both attended a family gathering of 29 at a restaurant in North Point on January 26. At least six other members at that gathering have been infected with the new deadly virus, while at least two are still in quarantine pending test results. https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3050681/coronavirus-hong-kong-confirms-three-news-cases

Update on new coronavirus pneumonia situation as of 24:00 on February 13 Published: 2020-02-14Source : Health Emergency Office 　　At 04:00 on February 13th, 31 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps reported an increase of 5,090 confirmed cases, 2174 severe cases, and 121 death cases (116 in Hubei, 2 in Heilongjiang). Cases, one each in Anhui, Henan, and Chongqing), with 2,450 new suspected cases. 　　1081 new cases were cured and discharged on the same day, and 26905 close contacts were lifted from medical observation. 　　As of 24:00 on February 13, according to reports from 31 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, there were 55,748 confirmed cases (including 10,204 severe cases), and a total of 6,723 discharged cases were cured (269 cases in Hubei Province ), A total of 1,380 deaths (108 cases in Hubei Province due to repeated statistics), a cumulative report of 63,851 confirmed cases (1043 cases in Hubei Province), and 10109 suspected cases. A total of 4,930,67 close contacts were traced, and 177,984 close contacts were still in medical observation. 　　There were 4823 newly confirmed cases in Hubei (3910 in Wuhan), 690 newly cured cases (370 in Wuhan), 116 new deaths (88 in Wuhan), and 46806 confirmed cases (32959 in Wuhan). Among them, 9278 cases were severe cases (7492 cases in Wuhan). A total of 3,862 discharged patients were cured (2016 in Wuhan), a total of 1,318 deaths (1016 in Wuhan), and a total of 5,1986 confirmed cases (35,991 in Wuhan). There were 1154 new suspected cases (473 in Wuhan) and 6169 suspected cases (2585 in Wuhan). 　　A total of 81 confirmed cases were reported from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan: 53 in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1 discharged, 1 died), 10 in the Macau Special Administrative Region (3 discharged), and 18 in Taiwan (1 discharged).     (Note: When quoted by the media, please mark "Information comes from the official website of the National Health and Health Commission.")

10,204 severe cases 6,723 discharged cases were cured A total of 1,380 deaths http://www.nhc.gov.cn/xcs/yqtb/202002/553ff43ca29d4fe88f3837d49d6b6ef1.shtml

Epidemic situation of new coronavirus pneumonia in Hubei Province on February 13, 2020 From 04:00 to 24:00 on February 13, 2020, Hubei Province added 4,823 new cases of new coronary pneumonia (including 3,095 clinically diagnosed cases) , of which: 3910 in Wuhan, 32 in Huangshi, 24 in Shiyan, and 10 in Xiangyang 67 cases in Yichang City, 54 cases in Jingzhou City, 21 cases in Jingmen City, 69 cases in Ezhou City, 135 cases in Xiaogan City, 163 cases in Huanggang City, 200 cases in Xianning City, 46 cases in Suizhou City, 8 cases in Enshi City, and 20 cases in Xiantao City There were 54 cases in Tianmen City and 10 cases in Qianjiang City. There were 116 new deaths (including 8 clinically diagnosed cases) in the province , of which: 88 in Wuhan, 2 in Huangshi, 1 in Shiyan, 3 in Xiangyang, 2 in Yichang, 4 in Jingzhou, and Jingmen There were 1 case in Eshi, 2 in Ezhou, 8 in Xiaogan, 1 in Huanggang, 1 in Xianning, 2 in Suizhou, and 1 in Xiantao. 690 new hospital discharges (including 214 clinically diagnosed cases) , including: 370 in Wuhan, 24 in Huangshi, 8 in Shiyan, 7 in Xiangyang, 9 in Yichang, 57 in Jingzhou, and 13 in Jingmen 21 cases in Ezhou, 48 cases in Xiaogan City, 77 cases in Huanggang City, 15 cases in Xianning City, 10 cases in Suizhou City, 10 cases in Enshi City, 10 cases in Xiantao City, 8 cases in Tianmen City, and 3 cases in Qianjiang City. As of 24:00 on February 13, 2020, Wuhan City, Huanggang City, Jingzhou City, Xianning City, Jingmen City, and Ezhou City have adjusted and written off the number of confirmed cases (including clinically diagnosed cases) at 24:00 on the 12th. Hubei Province has accumulated 51986 cases of new coronary pneumonia were reported (including 15384 clinically diagnosed cases) , including 35991 cases in Wuhan (including 14031 clinically diagnosed cases), 943 in Huangshi (including 26 clinically diagnosed cases), and 586 in Shiyan (including clinical 4 cases diagnosed), 1111 cases in Xiangyang City, 877 cases in Yichang City (including 51 clinically diagnosed cases), 1447 cases in Jingzhou City (including 269 clinically diagnosed cases), 901 cases in Jingmen City (including 155 clinically diagnosed cases), 1125 cases in Ezhou City (including 168 clinically diagnosed cases), 3009 cases in Xiaogan City (including 80 clinically diagnosed cases), 2791 cases in Huanggang City (including 306 clinically diagnosed cases), and 732 cases (including 189 clinically diagnosed cases) in Xianning City ), 1206 cases in Suizhou City (including 6 clinically diagnosed cases), 237 cases in Enshi City (including 21 clinically diagnosed cases), 500 cases in Xiantao City (including 2 clinically diagnosed cases), and 416 cases in Tianmen City (including clinically diagnosed cases) 67 Li , 104 cases QIANJIANG (including diagnosed cases 9), 10 Shennongjia. At present , 36,719 cases are still being treated in the hospital , of which: 7953 cases are critically ill and 1685 cases are critically ill. They are all under isolation treatment at designated medical institutions. There were 6,169 suspected cases, 3689 were excluded on that day, and 5,352 were concentrated and isolated. A total of 166,818 close contacts have been tracked, and 77,685 people are still undergoing medical observation.

7953 cases are severely ill and 1685 cases are critically ill - 116 new deaths - total 1,426 http://wjw.hubei.gov.cn/fbjd/dtyw/202002/t20200214_2027187.shtml

About outbreak of patient associated with new coronavirus (the 27th case) Today (February 13), Kanagawa Prefecture reported a case that died in connection with this new type of coronavirus. Outbreaks of infectious diseases related to the new coronavirus were confirmed in the 27th case in Japan. We will carry out proactive epidemiological investigations on this matter, including the identification of close contacts. Outline (1) Age: 80s (2) Gender: Female (3) Place of residence: Kanagawa (4) Symptoms, course: January 22 Fatigue was observed. January 25 Fatigue and anorexia worsen on January 28. Visited a nearby physician, and was ordered to follow up on February 1. Fatigue worsened and revisited a nearby physician. He was admitted to another medical facility for diagnosis of pneumonia. February 6 Despite receiving antibiotic treatment, his respiratory condition deteriorated and he was transferred to another medical institution. Started non-invasive positive pressure ventilation therapy. February 12 Respiratory condition worsened. Conducted PCR test for new coronavirus. February 13 Death confirmed. Thereafter, the result of the PCR test was confirmed to be positive. (5) Action history: No travel history. 　 ◆ Message to the people ○ The new coronavirus infectious disease is not currently recognized as an epidemic in Japan. For the people, it is very important to carry out cough etiquette and hand-washing for each person as well as measures against colds and seasonal flu. We ask that you take measures against infectious diseases. ○ If you are returning or entering from Hubei Province or Zhejiang Province or if you come in contact with them, if you have symptoms such as coughing or fever, wear a mask, etc. Thank you for your cooperation so that you can have a consultation after contacting. When visiting a medical institution, please inform in advance that you have a history of staying in Hubei or Zhejiang or have contacted someone who has stayed in Hubei or Zhejiang. [Participation and holding of events and events where many people gather ] 〇 When participating in events and events where many people gather, each person should try to implement cough etiquette and frequent hand washing. In addition, we ask that the host of the event or event consider the possible measures, such as installing an alcohol disinfectant at the entrance of the venue. We will continue to provide prompt and accurate information, so we ask for your cooperation in providing accurate information to the public. In addition, please refrain from interviewing on site from the viewpoint of protecting the privacy of patients. (Reference) Coronavirus is a virus that causes infectious diseases widely among humans and animals. There are six known infections that cause humans, but SARS-CoV (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus) and MERS-CoV (middle east respiratory syndrome) can cause severe respiratory illness. Other than coronavirus, infections are limited to non-severe symptoms such as a common cold. See the National Institute of Infectious Diseases information page for details. ○ National Institute of Infectious Diseases Coronavirus that infects people https://www.niid.go.jp/niid/ja/from-idsc/2482-2020-01-10-06-50-40/9303-coronavirus. html https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/newpage_09503.html

New type coronavirus 80-year-old woman dies in Kanagawa February 13, 2020 22:40New type pneumonia A woman in her 80s living in Kanagawa Prefecture died and was found to be infected with the new coronavirus. This is the first death of a person infected with the new coronavirus in Japan. According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, a Japanese woman in her 80s living in Kanagawa Prefecture became ill on last month and was diagnosed with pneumonia at a medical institution on January 1 and was hospitalized. And on the 12th, his condition worsened and he died on the 13th. An examination of the woman confirmed that she was infected with the new coronavirus on the 13th. This is the first death of a person infected with the new coronavirus in Japan. Since the woman had never traveled overseas, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has decided to investigate the transmission route and other details. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare also announced that it has been newly found that Japanese men in their 70s in Tokyo are infected with the new coronavirus. The man, who was a taxi driver, complained of a fever on the 29th of last month, and was later examined, finding that he was infected on the 13th. The man has never stayed in Hubei or Zhejiang provinces of China within 14 days before the onset of the disease, and the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare will investigate the transmission route in detail. Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Kato stated, "Since the elderly and those with basic illnesses are more likely to be seriously ill, we would like them to receive the necessary treatment through returnee / contact consultation centers and outpatients appropriately if they have symptoms. I want them to work hard on hand washing and avoid crowds. " In addition, it was confirmed that a Japanese surgeon male in his 50s in Wakayama Prefecture and a male in his 20s in Chiba Prefecture were newly infected, and 218 people on a cruise ship were confirmed to be infected in Japan .

A woman in her 80s living in Kanagawa Prefecture died and was found to be infected with the new coronavirus. This is the first death of a person infected with the new coronavirus in Japan. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20200213/k10012284531000.html?utm_int=detail_contents_news-related_002

Just movement from suspect to confirmed because they don't have PCR kits

The other two cases involve a 67-year-old woman (the 52nd case) and her 37-year-old son (the 53rd case). They both had dinner with the patients of three confirmed cases (the 46th, 48th and 49th case) at Star Seafood Restaurant in North Point on January 26 evening. Star Seafood Restaurant in North Point https://www.google.com/maps/uv?hl=en&pb=!1s0x34040103bbf5ed65%3A0xc0c7815a162bb3d3!3m1!7e115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipNwheG4tOXh0vKB6-oKxn7-HzQqCRn3NV1T5ljy%3Dw213-h160-k-no!5sstar seafood restaurant north point hong kong - Google Search!15sCAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipNwheG4tOXh0vKB6-oKxn7-HzQqCRn3NV1T5ljy&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjNsM6ep8_nAhV6mHIEHWh3D3IQoiowCnoECBsQBg

The other two cases involve a 67-year-old woman (the 52nd case) and her 37-year-old son (the 53rd case). They both had dinner with the patients of three confirmed cases (the 46th, 48th and 49th case) at Star Seafood Restaurant in North Point on January 26 evening. The 67-year-old female patient, who is the younger sister-in-law of the 75-year-old male patient of the 46th case, has good past health. She lives at Mount Parker Lodge in Quarry Bay on weekdays and stays with her son at Heung Hoi Mansion on 28-32 O’Brien Road in Wan Chai on weekends. She developed cough on January 31 and then fever and chills since February 1. She consulted private doctors on January 31, February 3 and 7. She then sought treatment from Ruttonjee Hospital on February 12 where she was admitted for treatment. Her respiratory sample was tested positive for novel coronavirus and she is now in a stable condition. The patient had no travel history during the incubation period. Her close contacts, namely her daughter, son-in-law, grandson, granddaughter and domestic helper, are all asymptomatic and will be arranged for quarantine. The 37-year-old male patient, with good past health, lives at Heung Hoi Mansion. He developed fever on February 8 and consulted a private doctor on February 9. He sought treatment from Ruttonjee Hospital on February 12 and was admitted for treatment. His respiratory sample was tested positive for novel coronavirus and he is now in a stable condition. The patient had no travel history during the incubation period. A spokesman for the CHP said, "According to our preliminary epidemiological investigations, some of the confirmed cases are locally infected.

COVID has been confirmed (case 52) in the sister-in-law (67F - case 42) of the 75M (case 46, who is linked to 37F - case 48 and 37M - case 49) who was linked to the 62F in the 35 story high rise in Hong Kong. The sister-in-law's son (37M) has also tested positive (case 53). https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/13/P2020021300700.htm

Media Statement For Immediate Release Thursday, February 13, 2020 Contact: CDC Media Relations (404) 639-3286 CDC Confirms 15th Case of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) CDC today confirmed another infection with Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in the United States. The patient is among a group of people under a federal quarantine order at JBSA-Lackland in Texas because of their recent return to the U.S. on a State Department-chartered flight that arrived on February 7, 2020. All people who lived or travelled in Hubei Province, China, are considered at high risk of having been exposed to this virus and are subject to a temporary 14-day quarantine upon entry into the United States. This is the first person under quarantine at JBSA-Lackland who had symptoms and tested positive for COVID-19. The individual is currently isolated and receiving medical care at a designated hospital nearby. This brings the total number of COVID-19 cases in the United States to 15. There will likely be additional cases in the coming days and weeks, including among other people recently returned from Wuhan. While 195 people were discharged from quarantine on Tuesday, more than 600 people who returned on chartered flights from Wuhan remain under federal quarantine and are being closely monitored to contain the spread of the virus. For the latest information on the outbreak, visit CDC’s Novel Coronavirus 2019 website.

About new coronavirus infectious disease confirmed in cruise ship during quarantine in Yokohama Port (the eighth report) 　The cruise ship Diamond Princess, which arrived at Yokohama Port on February 3, is under quarantine at sea. In addition, a new coronavirus test was newly conducted, and positive results were confirmed for 44 of the 221 patients whose results were found. In the future, it will be transported to medical institutions with infectious disease wards. Positive results were confirmed in 218 of the 713 tests. 　Some of the conveyed persons include elderly people and foreign nationals, and it is necessary to take measures that take into account physical conditions. The press is requested to give special consideration to coverage of this matter. 　Quarantine of the cruise ship continues to be implemented. A new coronavirus test is conducted for those who need it, and the results will be announced later. https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/newpage_09425.html

CDC confirms 15th case of COVID-19 in US – an evacuee quarantined at Texas base Posted: 8:16 AM, Feb 13, 2020 Updated: 10:29 AM, Feb 13, 2020 By: Scripps National LACKLAND AFB, Texas – The Centers for Disease Control has now confirmed a 15th case of the new coronavirus, officially named COVID-19, in the United States. Thursday, the CDC said the new patient is among a group of people under federal quarantine at JBSA-Lackland in Texas who recently returned to the U.S. from China on a State Department-chartered flight that arrived on Feb. 7. This is the first person under quarantine at JBSA-Lackland who had symptoms and tested positive for COVID-19, according to the CDC. The new patient is currently isolated and receiving medical care at a designated hospital nearby. Health officials say there will likely be additional COVID-19 cases in the coming days and weeks, including people who recently returned from Wuhan. While 195 people were discharged from quarantine on Tuesday, more than 600 people who returned on chartered flights from Wuhan remain under federal quarantine and are being closely monitored to contain the spread of the virus. This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Thursday, the CDC said the new patient is among a group of people under federal quarantine at JBSA-Lackland in Texas who recently returned to the U.S. from China on a State Department-chartered flight that arrived on Feb. 7. https://www.koaa.com/news/national/cdc-confirms-15th-case-of-covid-19-in-us-an-evacuee-quarantined-at-texas-base

Published: 2020-02-13Source : Health Emergency Office 　　At 04:00 on February 12, 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps reported 15152 newly confirmed cases (including 13332 clinical diagnosis cases in Hubei), 174 cases of severe cases were reduced, and 254 death cases were newly added. Cases (242 in Hubei, 2 in Henan, 1 each in Tianjin, Hebei, Liaoning, Heilongjiang, Anhui, Shandong, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps), and 2807 suspected cases were added. 　　1171 new cases were cured and discharged on the same day, and 29,429 close contacts were lifted from medical observation. 　　As of 24:00 on February 12, according to reports from 31 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, there were 52,526 confirmed cases (of which 8,030 were severe cases), 5,911 were cured and discharged, and 1,367 were dead. A total of 59,804 confirmed cases have been reported, with 13,435 suspected cases. A total of 471,531 close contacts were traced, and 181,386 close contacts were still in medical observation. 　　There were 14840 newly confirmed cases in Hubei (13436 in Wuhan), 802 cured cases (538 in Wuhan), 242 death cases (216 in Wuhan), and 43455 confirmed cases (30043 in Wuhan). Among them, 7084 cases were severe cases (5426 cases in Wuhan). A total of 3,441 discharged patients (1915 in Wuhan) were cured, a total of 1,310 deaths (1036 in Wuhan), and a total of 48,206 confirmed cases (32,994 in Wuhan). There were 1377 new suspected cases (620 in Wuhan) and 9028 suspected cases (4904 in Wuhan). 　　In order to do a good job of early diagnosis and early treatment of patients with new type of coronavirus pneumonia, and to implement the work of receivables and treatments of patients in Hubei, according to the "New Coronary Virus Pneumonia Diagnosis and Treatment Program (Trial Fifth Revised Edition)", The diagnostic criteria for cases in other provinces other than Hubei Province have been differentiated. Hubei Province has added a "clinical diagnosis case" classification to identify suspected cases with pneumonia imaging features as clinical diagnosis cases so that patients can be accepted as soon as possible in accordance with the relevant requirements of confirmed cases Standardize treatment and further improve the success rate of treatment. At present, 13,332 clinically diagnosed cases reported by Hubei Province are included in the statistics of confirmed cases, and case treatment is being strengthened to reduce severe illness and mortality. 　　A total of 78 confirmed cases were reported in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan: 50 cases in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1 death and 1 discharge), 10 cases in the Macau Special Administrative Region (2 discharges), and 18 cases in Taiwan (1 discharge).     (Note: When quoted by the media, please mark "Information comes from the official website of the National Health and Health Commission.")

8,030 were severe cases 5,911 were cured and discharged, and 1,367 were dead http://www.nhc.gov.cn/xcs/yqtb/202002/26fb16805f024382bff1de80c918368f.shtml

Feb 13 Diamond Princess Shortage of diagnostic kits (also in US and China) Testing at risk passengers (80 and over, pre-existing condition, interior cabins) 44/221 COVID positive Likely via on board cross contamination (80M from Hong Kong left ship weeks ago) only 713 tested 10/31,10/71, 41/171, 3/6,65/103, 39/53, 44/221 All should be tested and removed from ship Historic management failures by WHO, Japan CDC, US CDC All passengers and crew should be PCR tested and moved to safer location (Quarantine center or Hospital) http://recombinomics.co/thedrnimanshow/2020/02/021320.mp3

The Diamond Princess, which is still carrying about 3,500 passengers and crew members, now has 218 people infected with the virus out of 713 people tested since it entered Yokohama Port on Feb. 3, the largest cluster of infections outside China. https://apnews.com/ff4f6baa1b49f96dc15c236b5b467369?utm_source=Twitter&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=AP

Japan reports 44 more cases of virus on quarantined ship By MARI YAMAGUCHIan hour ago 1 of 3 Passengers stand on the deck of the Diamond Princess cruise ship anchored at Yokohama Port in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020. Japan’s health ministry said Wednesday that 39 new cases of a virus have been confirmed on the cruise ship quarantined at the Japanese port. (Yuta Omori/Kyodo News via AP) TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s health ministry said Thursday 44 more people on a cruise ship quarantined near Tokyo have tested positive for the virus that causes the new disease known as COVID-19. The Diamond Princess, which is still carrying about 3,500 passengers and crew members, now has 218 people infected with the virus out of 713 people tested since it entered Yokohama Port on Feb. 3, the largest cluster of infections outside China. In all, Japan has 247 confirmed cases of the new disease that apparently started in Wuhan, a city in central China, in December. Health Minister Katsunobu Kato said five of the patients sent to hospitals earlier have severe symptoms and are on artificial respirators or under intensive care. Kato also said the government has decided to allow passengers older than 80 to get off the ship after testing negative for the virus. He said results of tests on about 200 eligible passengers are underway, and those with chronic health problems or in cabins without operable windows will be given priority. Kato said the measure is to reduce health risks for passengers stuck in rooms under difficult conditions. Those who are released will be asked to stay at a designated facility through the end of the quarantine period. “We are doing our utmost for the health of crew members and passengers who remain on the ship,” Kato told a news conference. Some experts have questioned Japan’s strategy of isolating the passengers and crew in a potentially virus-affected environment on the ship while the disease is already slowly making its way into the country. “On the ship, infections are getting very dense,” said Shigeru Omi, an infectious disease prevention expert and former regional director for the World Health Organization. “It’s like we are seeing a very condensed version of what could happen in a local community.” Omi, who currently heads the Japan Community Health Care Organization, said those people who have tested positive for the virus are “only a fraction” of what could already be spreading outside of the ship. “We should assume that the virus has already been spreading in Japan,” he said. ___ Follow Mari Yamaguchi on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/mariyamaguchi https://apnews.com/ff4f6baa1b49f96dc15c236b5b467369?utm_source=Twitter&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=AP

Japan cruise ship virus cases jump to 218 as elderly offered escape BY AFP - 13 February 2020 - 12:45 The Diamond Princess cruise ship is seen anchored at the Daikoku Pier Cruise Terminal in Yokohama port on February 13, 2020 Image: Kazuhiro NOGI / AFP Japan said Thursday it would allow some elderly passengers off a quarantined cruise ship and into government-designated lodging, as the number of new coronavirus cases on the vessel jumped to 218. Thousands of passengers and crew on the Diamond Princess - the single largest cluster of infected people outside China - face several days more of quarantine, with many taking to social media to voice their concerns. Those working on the ship have been reluctant to speak to reporters for fear of losing their jobs, but two crew members broke their silence in a video broadcast by Indian media Thursday. "The situation on board is getting worse day by day," 24-year-old ship security officer Sonali Thakkar told AFP. "This morning they told us that 44 people have been infected and everyone is really scared and wanting to get off as soon as possible," she added. "All we want is tests to be done and to be separated from those who are positive. We don't want to stay on board." With passengers mostly confined to their cabins, crew members have to go door-to-door to deliver food and other supplies, and some fear this has reduced the effectiveness of the quarantine. Health Minister Katsunobu Kato said Thursday there were 44 new cases -- including one crew member -- from an additional 221 tests. He said also that some elderly passengers would be allowed off the ship if they test negative for the COVID-19 virus. Those who opt to leave will be moved to government facilities to wait out a quarantine that is set to last until February 19. "If they test negative, those who wish to disembark can go and live in a lodging facility that the government will prepare," Kato said. The captain informed the passengers of the new plan via ship broadcast. "The Ministry of Health has already tested guests 80 years or older who are staying in a cabin without a balcony, and those 80 years or older with chronic medical conditions," he said.

Health Minister Katsunobu Kato said Thursday there were 44 new cases -- including one crew member -- from an additional 221 tests. https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/world/2020-02-13-japan-cruise-ship-virus-cases-jump-to-218-as-elderly-offered-escape/