Passengers talk about life aboard stricken cruise ship
On Jan 30, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.
Cai Qinghong, a partner at Beijing Merits & Tree Law Offices, said, "Under such circumstances, Japan has the right to refuse entry of the Diamond Princess according to the International Health Regulations."
She said that when a vessel is in international waters, the responsibility for operating it rests with the country where it is registered, which in the Diamond Princess' case is the UK.
"Japan can legally keep those onboard in quarantine if this is a necessary step to curb the spread of the virus. But a further assessment is required of whether this is a proper course of action, based on Japanese laws and the situation in port."
Passengers on the vessel have an obligation to abide by the measures taken by the Japanese government and the cruise company, and should not leave the ship without permission, Cai said.
In statement issued on Tuesday, Sylvie Briand, director of pandemic and epidemic diseases at the WHO, said the organization is working very closely with the Japanese authorities regarding the Diamond Princess.
