Utahn quarantined in Japan tests negative, will return home, she says

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SALT LAKE CITY — Jerri Jorgensen has been quarantined in Japan ever since she tested positive for the coronavirus two weeks ago.

But the St. George woman, who has thoroughly documented her experience on Facebook, shared some good news Saturday, saying she has now tested negative and hopes to fly back to the United States in the next week.

Jorgensen was one of many Americans trapped on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which was docked in Japan after some passengers became infected. Her husband, John, did not test positive for the virus until later and was able to fly back to the United States; he was recently transferred from California to Intermountain Medical Center in Murray.

John Haering, another Utahn who contracted the virus, tested negative this week, his wife Melanie announced. That couple was also split up after sailing on the Diamond Princess, as John remained quarantined in Japan while Melanie was flown to the U.S.

Jerri Jorgensen told KSL TV's Ashley Moser that she hopes to be discharged on Monday and on a flight home by Wednesday or Thursday.

Contributing: Ashley Moser, KSL TV