Japan gives FREE 2,000 iPhones to passengers stranded due to Coronavirus

Due to confirmed Novel Coronavirus cases on board, a cruise ship near Japan cannot dock its passengers. As assistance, 2000 FREE iPhones were given for free to those people who are stranded in that cruise ship.

The Japanese government provided iPhones to those stuck inside the cruise ship

Why those iPhones were provided to the passengers and crews?

The cruise was scheduled to be finished 10 days ago but several cases of the coronavirus were detected when the boat came near the port. Everyone in the ship has been on lockdown and passengers became tensed. They posted mixed reviews of the food being room serviced and also tried to get the attention of the local media about the medicine being scarce onboard.

There's a report that explained why iPhones were provided to those being stuck inside the ship. The reason is that passengers can communicate with doctors in Japan using smartphones. Additionally, iPhones are much needed than Android phones since a required app can be accessed from the international Google Play Store.

iPhone units as a means of communication for passengers and crews to doctors

The said application was recommended by the Japanese Ministry of Health with the only purpose of allowing possible patients to consult with doctors.

The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced that there's a confirmed case of coronavirus at Diamond Princess cruise ship. They distributed around 2,000 iPhones operated by Softbank so there will be one device in every cabin and crew room.

The passengers can access the special app to ask by chat the doctors about medication or other concerns. It can also book a consultation if needed and receive medical information.

What do you think about this effort of the Japanese government to help stranded passengers?

Sources: Redmond Pie, Business Insider