Japan completes virus testing for quarantined ship

 All passengers and crew on board a ship quarantined off Japan have w been tested for new coronavirus, government said Tuesday, as more countries moved to evacuate citizens from boat.

South Korea became latest to anunce it would remove its citizens from Diamond Princess, where more than 400 people have tested positive for COVID-19. Japan has faced criticism for its handling of situation, with dozens of new infections detected almost daily since ship arrived in early February.

But it has defended its approach and health minister Katsubu Kato insisted again Tuesday that passengers who test negative will be allowed to leave ship from Wednesday. "We have done tests for everyone (on ship)," he told reporters.

"Some results have alrey come out... and for those whose test results are alrey clear, we are working to prepare disembarkation from 19th," he said. Kato said process would last two or three days. But those who h close contact with people who have tested positive will have ir quarantine reset to date of ir last contact with an infected person.

Crew are also expected to remain to observe ar quarantine period after last passengers leave ship. So far, United States, Cana, Australia, Hong Kong and w South Korea have said y will evacuate ir citizens from ship. South Korea will send a presidential aircraft on Tuesday to fly back four nationals and one Japanese spouse, an official told reporters.

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re are 14 South Koreans on board in total, but or ten have declined to be evacuated from ship because y live in Japan, Yonhap news ncy reported. Early Monday, more than 300 Americans were evacuated from ship, among m over a dozen who have tested positive for virus.

Americans, like citizens from or countries being evacuated from ship, will have to undergo ar 14-day quarantine. Cana said Tuesday it h "secured a chartered flight to repatriate Canians on board Diamond Princess" but gave details on when process would take place.

re were 256 Canians on board ship, with 32 so far testing positive for virus. While foreign governments have couched ir decision to remove citizens as an attempt to reduce burden on Japanese authorities, many have interpreted evacuations as criticism of Tokyo's handling of situation.

US and Australia have told citizens that if y decline repatriation and an ditional 14-day quarantine, y will t be allowed home for at least two weeks, suggesting y do t believe ship-based quarantine has worked. At least 454 people on ship have so far tested positive for virus and been removed to local hospitals for treatment. Japan has also confirmed at least 65 cases domestically, including many involving people with history of recent travel to China.

Authorities have said virus is being transmitted locally w, and have asked citizens to avoid crowds and n-essential garings. On Monday, amateur portion of Tokyo Marathon, which h been expected to attract some 38,000 runners, was cancelled. Only elite athletes will w be able to take part. public celebration for Emperor Naruhito's birthday has also been scrapped over virus fears.

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