20 Westerdam passenger specimens to be tested for Corona-virus

20 Westerdam passenger specimens to be tested for Corona-virus

Cambodian authorities said today that at least 20 passengers of MS Westerdam cruise ship, who have been ill, will have their blood specimens tested at the Pasteur Institute for possible Novel Corona-virus infection.

Major General Chuon Narin, Preah Sihanouk provincial police, said today that government working group is aboard the ship to have medical checks on more than 2,200 passengers and crew before they are allowed to disembark the ship and will be provided visas free of charge

“Immigration police and health officials are checking the documents and doing medical checkup on them,” he said.

“We suspect that 20 of the passengers may be infected with Corona-virus and their blood specimens will be air flown to Phnom Penh to expedite matters,” he said.

The MS Westerdam, which is owned by the Holland America Line has been turned away from Thailand, Japan, Taiwan, Guam and the Philippines due to fears over the spread of COVID-19.