MAGSAYSAY has been updated yesterday that the total number of Filipino crew members who have tested positive for COVID-19 is 27. All have been medically disembarked to various hospitals for further testing, treatment, quarantine, and care. The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo is in regular communication with the Filipino crew members in the hospitals.

Princess Cruises continues to closely coordinate with the Japanese Ministry of Health – which has been the lead public health authority defining the testing protocols for all guests and crew on board the Diamond Princess. This includes quarantine protocols specific for the crew.

Magsaysay, which has been diligently working closely with the Philippine Government Agencies (POEA, OWWA, DOLE, DOH, and DFA) in ensuring that all our Filipino crew members working on board the ship remain well and those which require medical attention are cared for, is also periodically in communication with the families of crew, updating them of developments.

In addition, we have been informed that all crew members will be fully compensated during the quarantine period and that they will receive two months of paid time off after release from quarantine.

The expected guest quarantine end date, according to Japanese health officials in an earlier statement, is on February 19, unless there are any unforeseen developments. Magsaysay is in close coordination with government agencies for the repatriation of the crew members returning back to the Philippines following the health protocols of the Japanese Ministry of Health and DOH.