Coronavirus: Brisbane couple face 28 days on ship
A Brisbane couple in quarantine for the coronavirus on board a cruise ship anchored off Japan’s coast is facing a month away from home.
QLD News
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A BRISBANE couple in quarantine for the coronavirus on-board a cruise ship anchored off Japan’s coast have praised the captain and the crew for their efforts as they face almost a month away from home.
More than 3700 people are being quarantined in their rooms on the Diamond Princess, which is anchored off Yokohama, as 20 people, including two Australians, have been confirmed for the virus.
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The Brisbane man, who asked not to be named, said the situation was the best it could be.
“The captain and the crew have been wonderful and they’re doing the best they can with the circumstances,” he said.
“We’re lucky, we’ve done a bit of cruising and we thought this cruise we’d get a balcony to see what it’s like and we’re pretty lucky we did because we can get out and have a bit of sun and fresh air and look around.
“I pity the poor people inside that just don’t have that luxury.”
The man, who just finished a 14 day cruise from Japan with his wife, said he is concerned about contracting the virus.
“The biggest concern we have is that while we’re in a situation where we’re confined to an area that’s known to have it and we could contract it,” he said.
“I’d rather be on a plane going home rather than sitting around waiting to get it.
“I certainly don’t want to go home and spread something but I’d rather be home in quarantine than be here in quarantine … it’s a long time.
“Not knowing when we’re going to be flying home is a concern.
“The way it’s going chances are more people will come down with it.”
The man said after they were initially screened for symptoms, food was low.
“Early on it was a bit light and that was due to the fact it was the end of the cruise and we got caught with the quarantine and a lot of people were used to eating buffets every day for 14 days,” he said.
“It was a bit of a shock to the system when the food got cut a bit but they did the best they could and now we’re back in dock getting a reasonable supply of food.
“All the staff have been wonderful.”
The couple are also facing upfront costs of almost $2000 by having to repeatedly rebook and cancel flights with Qantas.
“We’re fairly comfortable financially but if you weren’t, I don’t know how you’d cover the cost of having to book flights all the time,” he said.
“We’ll be able to cover the cost through insurance but it’s an upfront cost that you’ve got to pay so I thought Qantas would be a bit more considerate to the people … there’s no guarantee we’ll even be on that flight.
“I think Qantas could be better understanding and sort of say ‘let us know when you can go’ … given the situation we’re in.”
Originally published as Coronavirus: Brisbane couple face 28 days on ship