US Vice President Mike Pence announced on Friday that 21 people have tested positive of coronavirus on board the cruise ship, Grand Princess, stranded off the coast of California, as the outbreak continues to spread, infecting more than 100,000 people globally.
Pence said the crew members of the ship were likely exposed during two previous trips, adding that he expects that the estimated 1,150 crew members will be quarantined on board the ship.
US President Donald Trump also said in a separate statement that he would rather have the estimated 2,600 passengers of the cruise ship also remain on board the vessel.
At least 15 deaths have been reported in the US. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported at least 164 confirmed cases, while news reports say cases have surged close to 300.