KYODO NEWS - Feb 20, 2020 - 23:59 | World, All, Coronavirus

The operator of a cruise ship now docked in Cambodia after being turned away by four Asian countries over virus fears said Thursday that all 747 crew members on board the Westerdam have tested negative for the novel coronavirus.

In an blog post, U.S.-based Holland America Line said the Cambodian Ministry of Health issued a statement confirming the negative test results.

The cruise ship, which docked in Sihanoukville on Feb. 13, will remain at the port "for a few more days until its future itinerary is finalized," the post said. The next scheduled cruise on Feb. 29 was previously cancelled.

Prior to the Westerdam's arrival in Cambodia, the company repeatedly stated that there were no suspected cases of virus infection on board.

However, a U.S. woman who disembarked on Friday last week tested positive for the virus after flying to Malaysia, prompting the Cambodian authorities to test the passengers and crew still in the country.

Despite concerns that those disembarking could be spreading the virus, to date no other passengers or crew on the ship or on their way home have shown signs of the illness, according to the shipping line.

According to official Cambodian media, all passengers have disembarked from the ship.

Related coverage:

Westerdam ship cruise ship passengers test negative for virus: gov't

Airlines refuse to take passengers from cruise ship in Cambodia

Passenger from Westerdam confirmed by Malaysia to have coronavirus