Infections From Nile Cruises Spread In Japan
Japan has reported 26 new coronavirus infections linked to cruise ships on the River Nile. The health ministry says the cases were confirmed between March 5 and 15.
Among them are Japanese tourists who recently returned from cruise holidays as well as family members and other people with whom they have been in contact.
Infected tour participants include a nurse in her 70s who works at an elderly care home in Kanagawa Prefecture. Another is a woman in her 70s who works at a university in Fukushima Prefecture. Passengers have also tested positive in Saitama, Tokyo and Shizuoka prefectures among others.
Japan's Foreign Ministry issued an alert last Friday, urging people to consider postponing cruise voyages. It says outbreaks of infections could lead to port-entry denials and quarantine procedures for those on board.
