Health

U.S. Begins Evacuating Americans From Quarantined Cruise Ship

The repatriation is voluntary for the American passengers. If they go to the U.S., they'll be monitored for 14 days.

U.S. Begins Evacuating Americans From Quarantined Cruise Ship
AP / Jae C. Hong
SMS

The evacuation process for 400 American passengers on a cruise ship in the Japanese port city of Yokohama started Sunday. They've been quarantined on the ship for nearly two weeks amid a coronavirus outbreak onboard. 

Over 350 people on the cruise ship have tested positive for the coronavirus.

The National Institute of Health confirmed more than 40 Americans from the Diamond Princess were infected with the virus. They will be treated in Japanese hospitals.

Passengers who were 80 years or older and had a medical condition or a windowless room on the ship could disembark on Friday, as long as they tested negative for the illness.

The repatriation is voluntary for the American passengers. Those who choose to go back to the U.S. will be monitored for 14 days when they get to California and Texas military bases.

Contains footage from CNN.