An additional six people on board Diamond Princess have tested positive for the coronavirus, bringing the total number of cases up to 69.

Separately, over the past two days, 10 guests disembarked for non-coronavirus related medical reasons and were transferred to local hospitals.

The Princess Cruises ship is currently quarantined off the coast of Japan.

In a statement, Princess Cruises president Jan Swartz said: “Our guests and crew on board Diamond Princess are the focus of our entire global organisation right now.

“In this unprecedented situation, the Japanese Ministry of Health authorities are working with us collaboratively on additional enhancements, approving new procedures as we adapt our process to the unique challenges of the situation.”

In partnership with the Japan Ministry of Health, the ship has received additional medication, which is being distributed based on medical priority.

Telephone access has been arranged for guests on board with trained counsellors. Both English and Japanese-speaking counsellors are available, and guests can call directly from their staterooms.

To keep guests occupied during this time, printed newspapers in 30 different languages are available and TV satellite stations have been added, along with an additional 50+ movies in various languages.

Guests have also been given access to fitness and exercise videos, including Tai Chi and yoga. 

Princess Cruises announced on Friday (7 February) that the Japanese Ministry of Health has confirmed the quarantine will end on 19 February, unless there are any other unforeseen developments.

How did passengers contract the virus?

The passenger who is believed to be the source of the outbreak was from Hong Kong and had sailed on Diamond Princess from Yokohama on 20 January as part of a longer cruise itinerary.

He then left the ship five days later in Hong Kong, where he went to hospital and tested positive for coronavirus, Princess Cruises confirmed.

The ship was subsequently placed under quarantine by Japanese health officials after the passenger on a previous voyage tested positive for the virus.

Leading cruise industry association CLIA recently issued a statement saying that all members of the body will deny boarding to anyone who has travelled from or through mainland China within the previous 14 days.

Many cruise lines have suspended sailings and repositioned their ships in light of the virus outbreak.

For the latest coronavirus travel and safety information, visit the FOC website.