PANJIM: Amidst growing worry over an increase in Coronavirus (COVID – 19) cases on board Diamond Princess cruise ship, NRI Commissioner in Goa Narendra Sawaikar has confirmed that no Goan – abroad the ship – is so far infected with the virus. The news comes as a major respite to families back here, some of whom have approached Sawaikar seeking his intervention and help.
“As per rough estimate, 50 Goans are on board the ship. I am in touch with the Embassy of India in Tokyo, who is in touch with all the Indians. Nobody (Goans) is infected with COVID – 19, they are safe,” he said.
Sawaikar assured that the govts in Goa and Centre, and the Embassy are working out to ‘rescue’ Indians, not infected with COVID-19. “In days to come, our Goans will be brought back. Government is trying everything to get them back,” he said.
The number of Indians infected with the virus has increased to 6. “The four Indian crew members who earlier tested positive continue to receive treatment. Their health conditions are stable and responding well to the treatment. The two (new) cases of Indian crew members have been transferred to medical facilities for necessary treatment and quarantine,” the Embassy stated.
The Embassy official has said that they are coordinating with the Japanese Government and Ship Management Company for health and welfare of all Indian nationals on-board.
As many as 50 Goans are among 138 Indians on board the ship. More than 3,000 crew members and passengers have been on the ship when it was docked off the coast of Yokohama due to the virus scare.
