Japan’s health ministry says 44 more people on a quarantined cruise ship have tested positive for the virus that causes the new disease known as COVID-19, better known as the coronavirus.
The ship now has 218 people infected with the virus out of 713 people tested since it entered Yokohama Port on Feb. 3.
Health Minister Katsunobu Kato says five patients now in hospitals have severe symptoms and are on artificial respirators or under intensive care.
Japan's government has decided to allow passengers older than 80 to get off the ship after testing negative for the virus.
Those with chronic health problems or in cabins without windows will be given priority.