44 new virus cases on quarantined Japan ship

Japan's health ministry said Thursday that 44 more people on a cruise ship quarantined near Tokyo have tested positive for the virus that causes the new disease known as COVID-19. The ship has 218 people infected with the virus out of the 713 tested since the ship returned to the Yokohama Port a week and a half ago.

The vessel, the Diamond Princess, still has more than 3,500 passengers and crew on board.

In all, Japan has 247 confirmed cases of the new disease that started spreading from Wuhan in China in December.

Health Minister Katsunobu Kato said the government has decided to allow passengers older than 80 to get off the ship if they wish to do so after testing negative for the virus.

He said results of tests on about 200 eligible passengers are underway, and those with chronic health problems or in cabins without operable windows will be given priority.

Those who are released will be asked to stay at a designated facility until the end of the quarantine period.