Deputy Health Minister Pierpaolo
Sileri said Wednesday that an Italian government flight will
bring back 56-57 former passengers on the Diamond Princess
cruise ship from Yokohama, including around 30 Italians.
Sileri told a live broadcast on ANSA's Facebook page on the
coronavirus emergency that the government had sent one flight
taking health professionals and other experts to Yokohama so
they can run tests on the former passengers.
He said the passengers would be repatriated on a second
flight.
"When the second flight, which will probably take off from
Italy this evening, arrives in Yokohama, the people who are
meant to will be brought to Italy," Sileri said.
"It's about 30 Italians and 26-27 people from other European
nationalities, such as Poland, France and Germany, for a total
of 56-57 passengers, as they are negative for the coronavirus
test".
Sileri said the passengers would "probably" get back to Rome
on Thursday evening, after which the Europeans would travel to
their home countries.
There were 35 Italians on the Diamond Princess, including one
person who has tested positive for the coronavirus.
That group also includes some crew members, including the
ship's captain, who is set to stay on board for the time being.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
