Filipinos on Japan cruise ship: 80 infected, repatriation begins

As of Tuesday, February 25, 2020, the number of Filipinos infected with the novel coronavirus while on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan rose to 80.

Ten patients have recovered and been discharged, while two additional planes were sent by the Philippine government to repatriate around 400 citizens who had disembarked from the quarantined vessel.

On Monday, February 24, Health Assistant Secretary Maria Rosario Vergeire and Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Eduardo Meñez reported that 59 Filipino crew members aboard the ship were infected with the virus, including two who have recovered.