[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] After drifting at sea for about two weeks, the 'Westerdam' cruise ship, which finally docked in Cambodia, reported a confirmed case of COVID-19. Although the ship was allowed to dock under the assumption that there were no COVID-19 patients on board, concerns have been raised about the potential for a cruise ship-related cluster infection.
On the 15th, Malaysian health authorities announced that an 83-year-old American woman who was aboard the American cruise ship 'Westerdam,' which docked at Sihanoukville Port in Cambodia, tested positive for COVID-19.
The ship, which departed from Hong Kong on the 1st of last month, was refused entry at ports in Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand, and even the U.S. territory of Guam, drifting at sea for about two weeks before finally docking at Sihanoukville Port in Cambodia on the 13th. Upon arrival, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen personally welcomed passengers by presenting bouquets in a welcoming performance.
Cambodian health authorities had initially concluded that there were no COVID-19 patients after checking the health status of all passengers aboard the Westerdam. However, with the confirmation of a COVID-19 case, concerns about another form of transmission have arisen.
The cruise ship carried 1,455 passengers from 41 countries, with Americans numbering 651, the largest group. There were also 802 crew members on board.
Following the confirmed case, the travel plans of passengers aboard the cruise ship have encountered problems. Some airlines have reportedly refused to allow passengers who were on the cruise ship to board their flights. However, some passengers have already returned to their home countries, prompting respective nations to initiate quarantine and isolation measures for these individuals.
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