Coronavirus: Aboard the Diamond Princess, passengers dream of freedom

Passengers wear masks on the Diamond Princess cruise ship at the Daikoku Pier cruise terminal in Yokohama. Mandatory credit Kyodo / via REUTERS

Text by: RFI Follow

About 3,700 people are still in quarantine aboard the liner "Diamond Princess" this Sunday, February 9. According to a final assessment, given on Saturday, 64 cases of coronavirus are confirmed. Passengers, for safety reasons, are therefore cloistered in their cabins.

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With our special correspondent in Yokohama, Angélique Forget

In his 20 m² cabin, Mathieu Smith, a 57-year-old American, kills time as best he can. The quarantine of the Diamond Princess , ordered because of 64 cases of coronavirus on board, could last at least another ten days. In these conditions, you have to find something to deal with. “ We read, watch TV or movies and spend a lot of time on social networks with our friends. They give us a lot of support, it feels good, ”he says.

Cloistered in their cabins

Mathieu Smith is one of the lucky passengers who have a balcony and who can therefore get some air when they want and sometimes attend surprising scenes. This morning, at his window, a ballet of jet skis took place before his eyes. A dozen people came to support the passengers confined on board. “ We heard music as if there was a party outside. Jet skis were spinning in the water, it was quite surreal. It made us feel like caged animals. People came only to observe us, but also to do a kind of show, it was weird! (laughs) ”, he laughs despite the situation.

Today's breakfast in quarantine on the #DiamondPrincess not including the fruit, orange juice, and (sigh) one cup of coffee. By the way, that's an egg, bacon, and tomato sandwich. Yum! pic.twitter.com/ZIJsFNkbfp

Matthew Smith (@mjswhitebread) February 8, 2020

As soon as he leaves the boat, this lawyer from Sacramento, California, intends to take advantage of his freedom. Today, he dreams of being able to walk in the fresh air again, in a space a little larger than his balcony.

► To read: The 2019 coronavirus-nCoV in 7 points

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  • coronavirus
  • Japan
  • Health and Medicine

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