An engineer from Odisha, who is in quarantine for deadly novel coronavirus on the Diamond Princess cruise off Yokohama in Japan, has urged both the State and Central Governments for his safe release.
Shivashish Nayak of Brahmapur is among 142 Indians aboard the Diamond Princess ship locked down for two weeks after outbreak of coronavirus (now officially named COVID-19) that has claimed over a thousand lives in China.
In a video, Shivashish said 142 Indians have been confined on the ship and all have tested negative for COVID-19 except six crew members. However, the Japan authorities are not allowing the passengers to leave the vessel.
“We have spent 14 days in quarantine. However, as per the Captain’s announcement, we, especially the crew members, would be put under quarantine for another 14 days. Even being passengers, we are staying inside the crew cabin. That’s why the Japan Government restricted us to go out of the ship,” said Shivashish.
Through the video, he has appealed to the Government of India as well as Odisha Government to take steps to evacuate the passengers from the cruise. “Or else, the things will be going on very worse,” he said
“Already, 545 persons have tested positive for coronavirus on the cruise. I appeal to the Government to rescue us from being infected by the deadly virus,” he added.