The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Tuesday that a total of 35 Filipinos have been infected with 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the cruise ship M/V Diamond Princess.
DFA Undersecretary Brigido Dulay said most of the infected Filipinos are asymptomatic and healthy and are being well-taken care of by the Japanese health authorities and the vessel owners. He said that if the Filipinos tested negative for the disease, the earliest possible time they can disembark will be March 5.
Dulay added that a total of 531 Filipino crew members and 7 passengers were aboard the cruise ship. A total of 401 of them have expressed desire to be repatriated.
