Richmond couple under ‘cabin arrest’ on cruise ship
Paul Mirko and his wife were prepared for a dream vacation filled with luxury digs, stunning vistas, fine dining and exotic locations.
But the Richmond couple, who are quarantined aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Yokohama, Japan, are confined to their room and doing their laundry in their bathroom with body wash. Their view?
A row of ambulances on the shore, poised to whisk away those who test positive for the coronavirus.
“We can’t change this situation, so we just have to stick it out the best we can,” said Mirko from the ship. “I’m retired and 63, so my time isn’t critical.
“Day-to-day situation on the ship is one of strict restrictions. We cannot leave our cabins. I call it ‘cabin arrest.’ ”
Mirko said some people have been allowed to walk around the outside decks in recent days.
Those in rooms with no windows get first priority.
He thinks it may be a couple of days before they are given the privilege, as they have an outward facing cabin. Even when permitted outside, passengers are restricted to a certain area, and they must wear a mask and gloves. They are not allowed to use the elevators, are forbidden from congregating and must keep at least one metre distance from any other person.
There are seven Canadians among the 61 passengers who have contracted the coronavirus since their Jan. 24 departure for a twoweek cruise through Southeast Asia. On board are 2,666 passengers and 1,045 crew.
The quarantine began Feb. 3 and is set to end on Feb. 19, nine days too late for Mirko to meet a friend in Hawaii as he planned to do. His wife is due back at work on Feb. 21. She may make it.
For now, the couple spends their days watching television, using the free Wi-fi and trying to get in some light exercise. Three simple meals are delivered to their room every day. Their rooms are not being cleaned and no staff are allowed in. Prescription drugs are being supplied free to those who need them.
“The crew and the Princess company are doing their best. The Japanese Ministry of Health is controlling all restrictions and information. We are told very little, usually long after local and international media,” he said.