First batch of Filipinos evacuated from Japan coronavirus-hit cruise ship - report

The first batch of Filipino evacuees from coronavirus-hit Japan cruise shipboard flight is on their way back to the Philippines after testing negative for coronavirus infection. While another batch of Filipinos boarded a second PAL aircraft and is expected to land in the country before midnight according to media reports.

Confirmed cases on the British-registered Diamond Princess have reached 691 with three deaths since the ship docked at Yokohama port on Feb. 3. The United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries evacuated their citizens from the ship before the end of a two-week quarantine period and are now imposing new quarantine or travel restrictions on those passengers.

Since the ship's quarantine ended on Feb. 19, passengers who have disembarked, most of them Japanese but including some foreigners, have been asked to stay at home and avoid public transport.

Update 1: All of the evacuees were found negative after testing according to CNN. 

Update2: The first batch of Filipinos evacuated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan has arrived back in the Philippines, the                                   Department of Foreign Affairs says

Further details are awaited.

This is a developing story.