(UTV|COLOMBO) – The Sri Lanka Embassy in Tokyo says the two Lankans, crew members on board the Diamond Princess Cruise ship, are in good health and are regularly in contact with relatives in Sri Lanka.
The Ministry of Foreign Relations issuing a statement said the Lankan Embassy is closely coordinating with the cruise company over the safety of the two Lankans on board the vessel in Yokohama, Japan.
All passengers and crew on board a ship quarantined off Japan have now been tested for the new coronavirus, as more countries moved to evacuate citizens from the boat.
So far, the United States, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong and now South Korea have said they will evacuate their citizens from the ship.
At least 454 people on the ship have so far tested positive for the virus and been removed to local hospitals for treatment.
Authorities have said the virus is being transmitted locally now, and have asked citizens to avoid crowds and non-essential gatherings. Japan said it expected to remove all passengers from the cruise liner by Friday.
The ship remains docked at the port of Yokohama. The death toll in China stands at 1,868, with mainland cases up to 72,436.