Port Dover couple both test positive for coronavirus

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A Port Dover woman has tested positive for the coronavirus. The news comes a day after being informed that her husband tested positive as well.

Rose and Greg Yerex, who have been on the quarantined Diamond Princess Cruise ship off the coast of Japan since early February, were notified that Rose had received the wrong information on Tuesday and she did in fact test positive.

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Rose’s last message to the Reformer, on Tuesday evening, stated that she planned on boarding the plane home for Canadians testing negative. This was before she got the news that she was positive.

Kate Bedding, travel partner of the Yerexes, said that they are being transported to a Japanese hospital a six-hour drive away from the cruise ship. At this time they are unsure if they will have internet access while there.

Bedding added that the couple sounded good when they said their goodbyes over the phone. Both currently feel fine and show no symptoms.

“Don’t worry about me being alone; during the cruise I had befriended two Canadian couples and we talk every day,” Bedding said.

Bedding, also of Port Dover, has not been informed if she has tested positive or negative.

At last count more than 450 people from the Diamond Princess, held in the port of Yokohama, had tested positive for the virus.

The government has chartered a plane to bring Canadians aboard the ship back home.  Authorities both in Japan and in Canada say only people who are examined and found healthy would be allowed to fly to  Canada where they will once again be placed in quarantine.

If Bedding receives a negative result she will be able to return to Ontario.

Most cases of the virus are mild, but the illness can be deadly, especially in people who are already in poor health. Eight people in Canada have tested positive for the virus, out of about 350 suspected cases, and none has died.