Coronavirus Outbreak: Japan Tackling Emergency

A total of 565 people have returned to Japan on government charters. Most will stay at a hotel and government facilities around Tokyo for up to two weeks, except those who have been hospitalized.

Officials say more than 100 others who are still in Wuhan have indicated they want to return to Japan.

They are making arrangements with the Chinese authorities to send a fourth flight next week.

The Defense Ministry is also considering offering evacuees temporary lodging on a ferry that's contracted to transport Self-Defense Force units.

It says the vessel could be docked at a port in the Tokyo area for the purpose.

So far, 15 cases of infection have been confirmed in Japan including 3 among those who were flown home.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says his government will promptly take measures to address the health emergency, noting that some people without symptoms have tested positive.

Abe said, " In accordance with immigration law, we will refuse entry to any non-nationals who are infected. We also need to step up immigration controls against anyone who could potentially be infected."

Researchers at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases say they have successfully isolated the coronavirus from a patient and have been able to culture it.

They say that will help them develop a vaccine, drug, or a new testing method.

Research institutes in China and Australia have already succeeded in isolating the virus.

A non-profit organization in western Japan has been sending masks and protective suits to medical workers in Wuhan. The group says it hopes the goods will help health workers in the city tackle the emergency.

The Japan National Tourism Organization is providing information in Japanese, Chinese, English and Korean for visitors to Japan.

The hotline is available 24/7.

The telephone number is 050-3816-2787.