A group of 47 Vietnamese trainees working at Ariake shipyard in Nagasu town of Kumamoto Prefecture (Japan) have been confirmed to be carrying the SARS-CoV-2 virus, according to the Vietnamese Consulate General in Fukuoka.

A panoramic view of Ariake shipyard in Japan 

The individuals are among a total of 245 Vietnamese trainees who are currently working at the shipyard in the Japanese town. They are currently in isolation at Ariake healthcare station.

Some other trainees who tested negative for the virus have started to display symptoms such as a fever and shortness of breath, said the Consulate General, adding that 86 others remain waiting for tests till the end of August 6.

Nguyen Xuan Hai, leader of the Vietnamese trainee group, said the group have since received encouragement and advices from the Consulate General along with support, sufficient meals, and other essential items from Ariake shipyard.

At present, both the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan and the Vietnamese Consulate General in Fukuoka are closely monitoring the situation, taking citizen protection measures and working with the local medical agency to provide treatment for infected cases.