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 leave Cambodia on February 20 via Phnom Penh International Airport, the Khmer Times reported.
The Cambodian Ministry of Health has confirmed that the remaining 781 guests have tested negative for the new coronavirus (COVID-19).
“These results provide the required clearance for the remaining guests in Cambodia to begin their onward journeys home,” a statement by the US-based cruise line said.
“The company is working to finalise arrangements for everyone. Those who travelled home previously will be contacted by their local health departments and provided further information.”
The statement added that the company will continue to work closely and in compliance with government and health officials in Cambodia, as well as experts from the US Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization.
Westerdam will remain in Sihanoukville port, Cambodia, for at least a few more days until testing is completed for 747 crewmembers on board, it said.
On February 18, the Khmer Times quoted Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen as saying that since the disembarkation in Sihanoukville last week, a total of 541 cruise passengers, 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 the ship was running low on supplies./.
VNA
