Thousands remain on board a cruise ship off the coast of Japan as a result of the coronavirus.
Princess Cruises confirms an additional 66 passengers have tested positive by the Japanese Ministry of Health.
Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Francois Phillippe-Champagne says some of those with the virus are Canadians.
“It brings the total to eight of Canadians who have contracted the virus on the Diamond Princess off the coast of Japan,” he said.
The quarantine end date on board the ship is February 19.
“I spoke again with the group to ensure we are offering all of the assistance to Canadians on board. We were also speaking to Japanese authorities to make sure that every Canadian is receiving the medical attention they need,” said Phillippe-Champagne.
“Those affected by the virus are embarked and taken to hospital to receive the care they need. We are providing consular assistance to all of those people who are currently in hospital in Japan, who are disembarking from the ship.”
There are over 2600 passengers and over 1000 crew on board the cruise ship.