70 new cases of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) have been reported on the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Yokohama, Japan.

This brings the total number of infected passengers and crew to 355.

Most number of cases ever reported in a single day

The announcement was made by Japan's health minister, Katsunobu Kato, on Feb. 16, NHK World News reported.

This makes it the most number of new cases that have been reported in a single day.

Previously, the figure had been 67 new cases on Feb. 15.

Japan to cooperate with other countries in evacuating their citizens

The Japan Times reported that Japan will also cooperate with other countries to evacuate their citizens on the ship.

This come in light of an announcement by the U.S. Embassy in Japan, to evacuate Americans from the ship, and have them transferred to a chartered plane, which is due to depart on Feb. 17.

Elderly passengers aged 80 and above to be allowed early disembarkation

Japan has also decided to allow passengers aged 80 and over disembark from the ship with their companions, ahead of the quarantine's end on Feb. 19.

This is provided that they test negative for the virus,

The health minister Kato added that disembarkation priority will also be given to such passengers who either have chronic illnesses or are staying in rooms without windows.

However, they will still need to stay in quarantine at government facilities until Feb. 19, Kyodo News further reported.

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