Lankans on Diamond Princess to be repatriated

(FASTNEWS | CORONAVIRUS) – Measures have been taken to repatriate the two Sri Lankan crew members aboard the previously quarantined Diamond Princess Cruise ship at the Yokohama Port in Japan.

Director of the Epidemiology Unit Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said the two Lankans have not contracted the coronavirus.

542 people aboard the cruise ship have tested positive for the virus thus far and are currently being treated, while those who were tested negative for Covid-19 have begun disembarking.

However Dr. Samaraweera noted that priority is currently being given for passengers to disembark, adding therefore it may take several days for the two Lankan staff to return to the island.