Almost 10 percent of the people on the ship are now infected with the virus. 73 of the infected persons show no symptoms according to the Japanese Health Minister Katsunobu Kato.
The Diamond Princess was placed in quarantine on 3 February after a man was found to be infected with the corona virus.
There are a total of 3,700 people on board, including 5 Dutchmen. According to Kato, 1,219 of them have been tested for the virus so far.
The United States announced on Saturday to send a plane to Japan as a precaution to evacuate all uncontaminated Americans aboard the Diamond Princess. There are 428 Americans on the ship, 24 of whom are infected. The American plane will probably arrive in Japan on Sunday evening.
In the night from Saturday to Sunday, Hong Kong and Canada also announced that they would send an airplane to pick up passengers. Other countries may also be evacuating citizens before the end of the quarantine period. Ireland appears to be not planning this for the time being. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, none of the Irish appear to be infected with the virus.
In all likelihood, travelers may leave the ship on 19 February. The passengers on the cruise ship were in quarantine for more than two weeks. Until then they are not allowed to leave their cabin. However, the passengers may occasionally go outside for fresh air. They must then keep a sufficient distance and wear a mouth cap.