Cruise Passengers Have Been Stuck in Same Port for 3 Months
Trapped at Sea: The Plight of Cruise Passengers on the Diamond Princess
For over three months, cruise passengers have been trapped on the Diamond Princess in Japan. The ship was quarantined in Yokohama on February 3rd, 2020 after a passenger tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.
Initially, there were 3,711 passengers and crew on board. As of May 11, 2020, 712 passengers and crew have tested positive for COVID-19, with 13 deaths. The passengers have been confined to their cabins for most of the time, with limited access to fresh air and exercise.
Emotional Toll on Passengers
The passengers have reported feeling frustrated, anxious, and depressed.
Many have expressed concerns about their health and well-being, as well as the well-being of their loved ones back home.
Financial Impact on Passengers
The passengers have also faced significant financial losses.
Many have lost income due to being unable to work while on the ship. Others have had to pay for medical expenses and other costs associated with the quarantine.
Legal Challenges
The passengers have filed a class-action lawsuit against the cruise line, alleging negligence and breach of contract.
The lawsuit seeks compensation for the passengers' losses, as well as a declaration that the cruise line took inadequate steps to protect the passengers from the virus.
Government Response
The Japanese government has been criticized for its handling of the quarantine.
Critics have said that the government was slow to respond to the outbreak, and that it did not do enough to protect the passengers.
Lessons Learned
The Diamond Princess incident has highlighted the need for cruise lines and governments to be better prepared for pandemics.
Cruise lines need to have plans in place to deal with outbreaks of infectious diseases, and governments need to be able to provide support to cruise lines when necessary.
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