MS Westerdam owned by US-based Holland America Line. (Photo: VNA)Phnom Penh (VNA)– Holland America Line, the owner of the ship MS Westerdam, has said the last 781 of its passengers are expected to leaveCambodia on February 20 via Phnom Penh International Airport, the Khmer Times reported.
The Cambodian Ministry ofHealth has confirmed that the remaining 781 guests have tested negative for thenew coronavirus (COVID-19).
“These resultsprovide the required clearance for the remaining guests in Cambodia to begintheir onward journeys home,” a statement by theUS-based cruise line said.
“The company is working tofinalise arrangements for everyone. Those who travelled home previously will becontacted by their local health departments and provided further information.”
Thestatement added that thecompany will continue to workclosely and in compliance with government and health officials in Cambodia, aswell as experts from the US Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization.
Westerdam will remain in Sihanoukville port, Cambodia, for at least afew more days until testing is completed for 747 crewmembers on board, it said.
On February18, the Khmer Times quoted Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen as saying that since the disembarkation in Sihanoukville last week, a total of 541 cruisepassengers, who have already departed Cambodia, are heading for other countries in Asia.
After being rejected from ports in five countries and territories,MS Westerdam was allowed to dock in the Cambodian port on February 13 with 1,455 guests and 802 crew on board after it reported theship was running low on supplies./.
VNA
