Fear of possible Coronavirus outbreak on a cruise ship became reality after nine guests and one crew member tested positive for Coronavirus on the cruise ship Diamond Princess, said Japan's health minister, Katsunobu Kato on Wednesday morning.

The cruise ship was under quarantine for 24 hours outside of Yokohama Bay after a man onboard the cruise ship Diamond Princess” was confirmed to have been infected with the new coronavirus in Hong Kong after disembarkation the cruise ship on 25 January, 2020.

Princess Cruises has confirmed the positive test results on 10 people onboard saying:

“We were notified that amongst the samples that have completed testing, 10 people have tested positive for Coronavirus. This includes two Australian guests, three Japanese guests, three guests from Hong Kong, and one guest from the U.S. in addition to one Filipino crewmember.”

The infected persons have been informed that they have the virus and will be transported ashore by the Japanese Coast Guard and taken to four hospitals in Kanagawa Prefecture for treatment and observation by medical professionals.

According to Japan Times, the 10 confirmed cases were discovered on the results available after only 273 people aboard the cruise ship were tested. The news outlet underlines that more passengers and crew members could be infected and may not know it at this time.

Update: Coronavirus Cases Rise to 20 Onboard Diamond Princess

Japan Ministry of Health said all crew and passengers onboard Diamond Princess will stay onboard and the ship will be quarantined for at least 14 days.

During this time “the ship plans to go out to sea to perform normal marine operations including, but not limited to, the production of fresh water and ballast operations before proceeding alongside in Yokohama where food, provisions, and other supplies will be brought onboard. Guests will continue to be provided complimentary internet and telephone to use in order to stay in contact with their family and loved ones, and the ship’s crew is working to keep all guests comfortable.” according to a statement from Princess. 

The cruise line confirms there are 2,666 guests and 1,045 crew currently onboard Diamond Princess covering a range of nationalities, however almost half of the guests are from Japan.

Diamond Princess February 4, and 12, voyages departing Yokohama have been canceled and Princess Cruises already started notifying guests.

Our thoughts and prayers with all onboard Diamond Princess. If you are a crew member currently on Diamond Princess please send us a message here for the latest updates.