8 more Pinoys aboard Japan cruise ship test positive for COVID-19, says DOH

Eight more Filipinos aboard a cruise ship that was quarantined in Japan have tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in addition to the previously reported 44, according to an initial update announced by the Department of Health (DOH) on Friday.

Once validated, this will bring the total number of infected Filipinos in Japan to 52.

"We received word this morning na mayroon na tayong 52 na positive cases for COVID-19 but still verifying pa po kami," Health Assistant Secretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said at a press conference.

There are 538 Filipinos aboard the cruise ship Diamond Princess—most of whom were crew members.

The vessel was placed on quarantine earlier this month after one of its passengers tested positive for COVID-19. To date, more than 600 out of the 3,771 people onboard the ship have been infected.

Vergeire said Filipinos who will test negative for the virus would be repatriated to the Philippines on February 23. They will undergo another 14-day quarantine at the New Clark City in Central Luzon. — RSJ, GMA News