Chronology of COVID-19 Cases on the Diamond Princess Cruise Ship and Ethical Considerations: A Report From Japan.

Eisuke Nakazawa,Hiroyasu Ino,Akira Akabayashi

doi:10.1017/dmp.2020.50

Abstract

The Diamond Princess cruise ship has been anchored at the Yokohama port in Japan since February 3, 2020. A total of 691 cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection had been confirmed as of February 23. The government initially assumed that the infection was not spreading aboard and therefore indicated that any persons who either tested negative for the virus or were asymptomatic should immediately disembark. However, on February 5, the government set a 14-day health observation period because of the severity of the infection. Passengers confirmed to be free from infection began disembarking on Day 15 (February 19) of the quarantine. The effectiveness and validity of infection control, justification for the timing of inspections, and even the nature of COVID-19 itself now are all in question. The ethical considerations related to cruise ship infection control include the reasonable justification for isolation, the psychological fragility and quality of life of the isolated passengers and crew members, the procedural justice inherent in a forced quarantine, and the optimization of control measures.The international coordination framework and the global ramifications of such outbreaks should be reevaluated by the international community. Denying a ship's entry based on local politics is incompatible with global justice. Events such as these require an international response and global regulations that seek to reduce disparities.

Highlights

The Diamond Princess cruise ship has been anchored at the Yokohama port in Japan since February 3, 2020
The ship departed from Yokohama Port, Japan, on January 20, 2020, and proceeded to Hong Kong on January 25; Chan May Port, Vietnam, on January 27; Cai Lan, Vietnam, on January 28; Keelung, Taiwan, on January 31; and Naha, Japan, on February 1
Princess who had disembarked on January 25.4 Later, on February 3, the Diamond Princess docked off Daikoku Pier at Yokohama Port

Summary

Quarantine Days Virus Testing Policy

Screening for the virus is implemented in the aged or people with chronic disease, even if asymptomatic.[1]. Japanese government begins considering the possibility of testing all passengers and crew members at the end of the 14-day health observation period.[38,51]. Immigration Restrictions and Disembarkation The Diamond Princess stops at Okinawa and has completed quarantine upon entering Japan.[11] The ship arrives at Yokohama. The quarantine in Okinawa has been canceled and passengers and crew members have been re-quarantined on the ship.[11] A 14-day health observation period is set for all passengers and crew members; disembarkation is limited.[1,50]. 1300 people, including crew members, foreigners waiting for charter aircraft, and passengers who were in close contact with or in the same room as a person who tested positive, are aboard.[50] Disembarkation of crew members is undecided.[18]. Itinerary of the Diamond Princess Cruise Ship From January 20 to February 4, and the Geopolitical Map.[3]

Chan May

CONCLUSION