More Passengers To Leave Cruise Ship Friday
A third group of passengers from the virus-stricken cruise ship in Japan will leave the vessel on Friday.
Coronavirus infection has been confirmed in 634 passengers and crewmembers on the Diamond Princess, moored at Yokohama Port, near Tokyo.
Japan's health ministry had announced that people who tested negative for the virus and showed no symptoms would be allowed to disembark the ship from Wednesday, following a 14-day quarantine period.
The ministry says 443 returned to dry land on Wednesday, and 274 on Thursday.
It says up to 450 more people are expected to disembark on Friday.
However, the ministry is asking anyone who has tested negative but shared a cabin with an infected passenger to remain on the ship for 14 days after they separated.
Ministry officials will ask those who have returned home to check their health for two weeks and refrain from going out unless it is absolutely necessary.
The officials will also ask them to stay away from school or workplace if they develop symptoms, such as fever or coughing.
The officials will discuss measures for the crew with the ship's operator. They say the employees who want to disembark may be allowed to do so.
