MANILA, Philippines — The number of Filipinos aboard a cruise ship quarantined off Yokohama, Japan who have tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has climbed to 27, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs, through the Philippine Embassy, in Tokyo reports that as of 16 February 2020, the number of Filipinos on board who have tested positive for COVID-19 is at 27. This includes 16 new cases confirmed on Saturday, 15 February,” the DFA said in a statement on Monday.

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No Filipino, meanwhile, is among the new group of 70 confirmed cases announced by the Japanese government on Sunday, the DFA added.

“The Japanese Health Ministry announced that all crew and passengers on board will be tested beginning today, February 17, so that test results will be available by the time the ship’s quarantine period ends,” the DFA noted.

The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, the DFA assured, is closely coordinating with relevant Philippine and Japanese government agencies as well as representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Princess Cruises to ensure that the needs of the Filipino crew and passengers are met and to facilitate their return to the Philippines.

GSG

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