Japan has quarantined 3,700 passengers and crew members members onboard a Diamond Princess cruise ship in Yokohama after a passenger who disembarked in Hong Kong tested positive for the Wuhan coronavirus.

3,700 passengers and crew members quarantined for second time

The Japan Times reported that the cruise ship had already been quarantined once at a port in Naha, Okinawa Prefecture,.

However, a second quarantine was called for after an 80-year-old passenger who disembarked in Hong Kong was found to have the virus.

The 80-year-old man flew from China to Japan on Jan. 17 and left Yokohama on the cruise ship on Jan. 20, 2020, Nikkei Asian Review reports.

He then arrived in Hong Kong on Jan. 25, 2020.

According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, a few dozen quarantine officers are checking the health of all the passengers and crew members.

A government official also pointed out that at least seven people on the cruise ship reported feeling sick, and that their test results will be available on Feb. 4, 2020.

Japanese government ramping up efforts to tackle virus

The Japanese government has been ramping up its efforts to tackle the spread of the virus, with 20 cases of infection confirmed in Japan so far.

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For instance, a rapid test kit for the virus is being developed so more institutions, including private ones, can "improve testing (for the virus) and enhance consultation service," Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said.

The government is also attempting to ensure that citizens have access to medical services and supplies, including masks, Nikkei Asian Review reports.

Since Feb. 1, Japan has imposed a travel ban on foreign nationals who have been to Hubei in the two weeks prior to their arrival, as well as holders of Chinese passports issued in Hubei, Japan Times reports.

On Feb. 3, Abe had also mentioned that Japan would be working closely with the World Health Organisation to prevent the virus from affecting the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics in July to September this year.

Top image via KyodoNews on YouTube