44 more passengers aboard the "Diamond Princess" cruise ship docked in Yokohama, Japan, have tested positive for the novel coronavirus (Covid-19), the Japan Times (JT) reported.

This means that the total number of confirmed cases aboard the ship now stands at 218.

Majority of the infected are aged 70 and older

40 of the 44 new cases are aged 70 and older.

29 of the new patients are Japanese, while the remaining 15 are non-Japanese.

In terms of breakdown by passenger and crew, 43 of the new cases are passengers, with the remaining case being that of a crew member.

Japan's health minister Katsunobu Kato added that hospital arrangements were currently being made for those who had tested positive for the virus.

Elderly passengers with chronic illnesses will be allowed to disembark early

Separately, Kato also stated that elderly passengers who have chronic illnesses and test negative for Covid-19 will be allowed to disembark from the ship and go into shore quarantine, especially if they have been staying in a cabin with no windows, the Financial Times further reported.

This could be as early as Friday, Feb. 14, according to Kyodo News.

The ship itself is expected to be quarantined until Feb. 19 — 14 days after the isolation period began.

There are currently about 3,700 passengers and crew members aboard the ship.

They had been quarantined after a passenger who disembarked at Hong Kong tested positive for Covid-19.

All diagnosed cases of the coronavirus have already been moved ashore.

Quarantined given free WiFi and counselling services

Meanwhile, passengers still onboard the ship have been given access to free WiFi to keep in touch with their loved ones.

Mental health resources including counselling services via telephone have also been provided.

The passengers are also allowed outside their rooms for a brief period everyday, allowing them space to walk about and get some sun.

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Top photo from @ModJapan_jp/Twitter