Australians stranded on board the Diamond Princess will be evacuated from the vessel by the Government immediately
Hundreds of Australians stranded on the coronavirus-stricken Diamond Princess cruise ship will be evacuated by the government this week.
208 Australians are among the more than 3,600 people are trapped on the boat, which is in quarantine in Yokohama in Japan.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed on Monday those evacuated would be flown back to Australia on Wednesday and placed in quarantine in Darwin for 14 days.
Australians are set to be evacuated on Wednesday from the coronavirus -stricken Diamond Princess
It was earlier confirmed four more Australians have been diagnosed with the deadly coronavirus on the cruise ship.
There are now 174 cases of coronavirus on the boat including 15 Australians.
Mr Morrison said he could understand the frustration of the Australian Diamond Princess passengers at being quarantined beyond the one imposed on them by Japanese authorities.
There are currently 174 cases of coronavirus on the boat including 15 Australians. Pictured: medical staff inside the ship
‘I understand that those who were on board will feel very frustrated about this, as well as there family members,’ he said.
‘I am very frustrated about it. But, our first responsibility is that we have to protect the health and safety of Australians in Australia today.’
The Diamond Princess has been called a ‘floating prison’ by those on board, with passengers stuck on the vessel until the quarantine period finishes on Wednesday.
Olivia Capodicasa is one of the Australian passengers in quarantine and revealed what conditions are like for those stranded on board.
‘People with cabins that don’t have light, or windows or a balcony, are a priority,’ she told Sunrise.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed on Monday those evacuated would be placed in quarantine at an evacuee facility at Howard Springs in Darwin for 14 days (pictured when the site was a mining camp)
Australian Olivia Capodicasa said she is confined to a windowless cabin and only allowed outside briefly for exercise and fresh air
‘When we’re out there we have to wear our masks, our gloves, any protective gear. We can just walk around and breathe in the fresh air. I did a few sprints because I was just dying to get moving.’
She said she was optimistic despite her mundane environment.
‘I think that’s the only mindset you have to have when you’re locked in a room,’ she said.
Quarantined Australian passenger Claire Hedger posted an Instagram update on Wednesday afternoon thanking staff for their tireless help on the ship.