Passengers leaving quarantined cruise ship Diamond PrincessFebruary 19, 2020 - 15:44 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Hundreds of passengers who tested negative for the new coronavirus have begun leaving a quarantined cruise ship in Japan amid heavy criticism over the country's handling of the outbreak, the BBC reports. One Japanese health expert who visited the Diamond Princess at the port in Yokohama said the situation on board was "completely chaotic". US officials said moves to contain the virus "may not have been sufficient". Passengers have described the difficult quarantine situation on the vessel. At least 542 passengers and crew on the Diamond Princess have so far been infected by the Covid-19 virus - the biggest cluster outside mainland China. The ship was carrying 3,700 people in total. Several nations are evacuating their citizens from the ship as infections continue to rise. The cruise ship was put in quarantine in Yokohama in early February after a man who disembarked in Hong Kong was found to have the virus. Passengers were initially isolated in their cabins and later allowed to sporadically go out on deck. Despite the quarantine measures, day by day the number of infected people grew rapidly. Covid-19 has now claimed 2,004 lives in China, according to the latest Chinese data released on Wednesday, February 19. There have been 74,185 confirmed infections recorded in mainland China and about 700 cases in other countries. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |