The US has evacuated its citizens from Diamond Princess, as the cruise line allows voluntary disembarkation and confirms cases of coronavirus on the ship have risen to 454.

Passengers with medical requirements have begun to voluntarily disembark to finish their quarantine on land in Japan. The quarantine is due to end this Wednesday (19 February).

Fourteen Americans who disembarked the ship for evacuation tested positive for the virus on the way to the airport. Rather than return them to the ship, the decision was taken to place them in isolation chambers and go ahead with the evacuation.

All evacuated passengers will now spend another 14 days in quarantine in the US.

A Princess Cruises spokesperson said: “Princess Cruises confirms an announcement, from the Japanese Ministry of Health, of 67 new positive cases of COVID-19 (previously referred to by health officials as novel coronavirus) on board Diamond Princess.

“As reported by the Ministry of Health the nationalities of the new cases are Australia (5); Canada (3); China (3); Germany (2); Hong Kong (1); Kyrgyzstan (1); India (2); Japan (27); Philippines (17); Taiwan (1); United States (5). We are following guidance from the Japanese Ministry of Health on plans for disembarkation protocols to provide medical care for these new cases.

“Princess Cruises was notified yesterday by the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo that the U.S. Department of State will provide chartered aircraft to bring both guests and crew who are American citizens and permanent residents, currently quarantined on Diamond Princess, back to the United States. Princess Cruises will continue to follow the direction of the Japanese Ministry of Health on this matter and, as directed, we will coordinate with the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo.

“Princess Cruises can also confirm that the Japanese Ministry of Health has begun to advise of preliminary plans as we move toward February 19 and the end of the quarantine. This information was shared by Princess Cruises in a letter to guests and crew members aboard the Diamond Princess.

“Over the last two days plans by the Japanese Ministry of Health for the voluntary disembarkation of guests with medical requirements has begun.

Twelve guests in this group who tested negative for coronavirus have voluntarily disembarked the ship. 55 guests who tested negative within this group have decided to remain on board.”

For the latest information and updates on coronavirus, visit the FOC website.