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Read about the effect of coronavirus (Covid-19) on cruise ships.
Two Japanese passengers who were on the Diamond Princess cruise ship have died due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) and 29 others are said to be in a serious condition.
On 19 February, the first group of passengers disembarked the ship after the completion of the 14-day quarantine period.
Japanese local media reported the deaths after the second group of people who tested negative left the ship.
The passengers who died are an 87-year-old man who was admitted on 11 February and an 84-year-old woman admitted the next day.
An additional 29 people are said to be in a serious condition.
The ministry confirmed an additional 79 cases of the virus on the cruise ship, bringing the total number to 621.
Many countries have evacuated their passengers from the vessel.
The US repatriated approximately 300 of its nationals on 17 February, while Australians on the ship were evacuated on 20 February. 14 US evacuees tested positive for the virus.
Both countries have ordered an additional 14-day quarantine for the Diamond Princess passengers. Hong Kong has also evacuated its nationals.
Canada and the UK are expected to carry out the evacuation process on 20 and 21 February respectively.
The epidemic has so far killed 2,128 and infected more than 75,700 people around the world. Japan has reported 84 cases with one death, excluding the cases on the cruise ship.
