Staying Fit
The Asahi Shimbun/Getty Images
For the more than 2,600 passengers quarantined aboard the cruise ship Diamond Princess, a much-awaited Japanese itinerary became a test of endurance after the spread of the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19. Confined largely to their cabins from Feb. 5 until Wednesday, many guests relied on social media to keep family and loved ones informed, and they continued to post updates as they made their way home this week.
For David Abel, a wedding officiant and self-described global traveler, home is England, but he isn't headed there quite yet. Having recently tested positive for the virus, Abel and his wife, Sally (who also tested positive), are among those who have been transferred to a Japanese hospital for monitoring and treatment.
AARP Membership— $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal
Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.
Abel has posted regular text and video updates about his experience from quarantine to hospital, racking up thousands of likes and countless supportive comments.
As of Tuesday, more than 100 U.S. citizens were either still onboard the Diamond Princess or in hospitals in Japan, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
"After disembarkation from the Diamond Princess, these passengers and crew will be required to wait 14 days without having symptoms or a positive coronavirus test result before they are permitted to board flights to the United States,” the agency said in a statement.
Off the ship, passengers face a second quarantine
More than 300 Americans without symptoms have already arrived back in the U.S., having disembarked on Feb. 16 and flown back on cargo planes specially outfitted for the journey.
Those passengers are now in the midst of another two-week quarantine, at either Travis Air Force Base, near Fairfield, California, or Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, in Texas.
Mark Jorgensen of St. George, Utah, is among those being held at the Fairfield facility after disembarking from the Diamond Princess, where he and his wife, Jerri, waited out the initial quarantine in good spirits.
The pair even celebrated Valentine's Day on the ship with a special shrimp dinner and chocolate-heart dessert that the cruise line provided.
More on health
Why Coronaviruses Hit Older Adults Hardest
As with flu, immune changes and underyling health conditions are to blame
Does Travel Insurance Cover Canceled Trips Due to a Viral Epidemic?
Carefully check the terms of a plan as you evaluate insurance options