Japan's Transport Ministry Monitors Cruise Ships
Officials at Japan's transport ministry say they have talked by phone with five Japanese nationals on board the cruise ship, Westerdam.
The ship was refused permission to dock at several destinations including Japan after leaving Hong Kong amid fears of the spreading coronavirus.
The officials said that the five passengers and crew do not have any health problems that would make them susceptible to coronavirus infection.
So far, they say, the Westerdam has not found a port which will allow it to enter and is currently sailing southwest in the East China Sea.
There are three cruise vessels under Japanese or foreign flags which are scheduled to make port calls this month in Japan.
The ministry is collecting health information on the passengers and crews including symptoms such as fevers.
