What it's like to be quarantined on a cruise ship because of coronavirus

A couple who are quarantined on a ship in Japan because of coronavirus, say no one can talk to each other and they don't know when they'll be allowed home.

David and Sally Abel are stuck on the Princess Diamond cruise ship, which was put into isolation on Wednesday after a number of passengers were confirmed to have coronavirus.

So far, more than 500 people have been killed because of the disease and more than 28,000 people have been infected worldwide.

The Diamond Princess has been quarantined off Yokohama in Japan after 20 passengers were confirmed to have coronavirus. Credit: PA

Speaking to ITV News, David - who is from Daventry in Northamptonshire - said there is a 'lot more anxiety' on board. He said: "We still can't talk to passengers because everybody is confined to their cabins, but I think the mood on bard is probably a lot more anxiety.

"What's going to happen to us? How much longer will we be on quarantine on the ship and, more importantly, as a Brit, I'd like to know what's going to happen to us when we get back to the UK?"

The couple are among 78 Brits on the ship, which is currently near Yokohama in Japan. Initially 10 people on board tested positive for coronavirus, but that number has since gone up to 20. All infected passengers have been removed from the ship and are currently being treated in Japan.

Passengers who were confirmed to have coronavirus have been taken off the ship and are now being treated in Japan. Credit: PA

Puzzles have been delivered to passengers to keep them occupied, and people are being let outside for fresh air.

David added: "We've got access to the balcony all the time, but there are passengers who are in inside cabins where they've got no natural light, no windows, no fresh air. They are being allowed out on deck for a period of time under the supervision of quarantine officers. They must stay one metre apart and not congregate in groups."

The UK Foreign Office has advised all British nationals to leave China, while the Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the government is 'taking no chances'.