Aussies in tense wait for virus rescue mission
THE 200 Australians trapped on the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan face another anxious wait as the government decides whether to evacuate them from the coronavirusravaged ship.
Planning for a potential evacuation is under way but a decision will not be made until after an Australian public health expert sent to Japan boards the ship.
After 355 people tested positive to the virus – almost 10 per cent of those on board – Canada and Hong Kong have joined the US in preparing to evacuate hundreds of their citizens.
The ship has been quarantined in Yokohama since February 3 and the 3700 passengers, most aged over 70, are confined to their cabins.
But with the virus still spreading through the ship – another 70 passengers and crew tested positive yesterday – it seems likely more countries including Australia will get their citizens out.
They are likely to be flown
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The National Security Committee of Cabinet met in Canberra yesterday but did not make a final decision on a rescue mission.