300+ American cruise ship passengers back in the U.S.

Most under quarantine - some hospitalized - NBC's Dan Scheneman reports

LACKLAND AFB, Texas (KYMA, KECY/NBC News) - More than 300 American cruise ship passengers, including some who tested positive for the novel coronavirus, are back on American soil.

Most of them are now under quarantine at U.S. military bases, while some of the infected passengers are being treated at a medical facility in Nebraska.

The U.S. State Department says, out of the hundreds of passengers evacuated from the Diamond Princess, 14 have now tested positive for the coronavirus. Those infected spent their 12-hour flights in isolation chambers until landing in at Air Force bases in Texas and California.

"So for the people who tested positive for this: they're going to be put in isolation, which means essentially they'll be put in a hospital, they'll be treated for any symptoms they have." says NBC Medical Correspondent Dr. John Torres.

13 were transported directly to the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.

"These individuals were brought here because we have the personnel, we have the facilities, we have the resources and the expertise to handle these kind of individuals." said Dr. Chirstopher Kratovhvil.

Those passengers who have not tested positive will still spend at least 14-days in quarantine.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced Monday the spread of the virus in China is slowing, but that doesn't mean the crisis has passed.

"It's too early to tell if decline will continue. Every scenario is still on table." said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghevreyesus, the WHO's Director General.

So the virus remains a concern around the world, while medical experts continue working to contain the outbreak.