COVID-19 has reached different countries, creating a scare and panic among people. It even affected Emperor Naruhito's 60th birthday as the celebrations got canceled due to the fears of "close proximity" that could spread the coronavirus outbreak even more.
The people affected of coronavirus all over the world arre continuously increasing. According to Express, there are almost 100,000 cases of COVID-19 in the globe, two months after it first broke out in China.
Hence, Japan officials cancelled the celebration of Emperor Naruhito's birthday. The Imperial Household Agency explained that the reason for their decision to cancel the event was due to the "close proximity" between people.
"We made the decision to cancel the public event at the palace, which is attended every year by many people in close proximity, after considering the risk of the virus spreading," Kenji Ikeda, the agency's vice grand steward, said. Also, Emperor Naruhito's morning appearance and the greeting book's public singing were canceled.
Emperor Naruhito's birthday is a national holiday in Japan. This year, it is set to be celebrated on February 23. On this day, the household's officials usually open the gates of the Imperial Palace to the public. The ruler, along with his wife, Empress Masako, will then meet the crowd.
The pair should have addressed the public for three consecutive times over the weekend from the balcony of the Imperial Palace. However, it was the first time this year that they were forced to cancel the event due to public health concerns.
As of Feb. 17, there were already 1,775 killed by the coronavirus. Fears continuously rise as another 99 people tested positive for COVID-19 onboard the Princess Diamond cruise ship, which was docked in Japan. The Guardians noted that there were already 454 total numbers of confirmed infections.
In addition, there are also growing concerns over the possible spread of infection among the passengers of another cruise liner docked in Cambodia. A traveller from the MS Westerdam was confirmed to have the virus in Malaysia, days after disembarking. The patient was with hundreds of other passengers.
It remains to be seen how many travellers are still in Cambodia and how many went to other destinations. Holland America Line cruise operator told Reuters that guests who left Cambodia would receive a call from their local health department to give more information about the matter. It is not yet clear if the said passengers have to self-isolate themselves when they return home.
