A husband and wife tested positive in Canada for the new coronavirus after being on a flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, officials said.

The Canadian couple returned to Toronto Pearson International Airport on Feb. 28 on WestJet flight 1199 from Sky Harbor, according to a press release Friday from Canada Region of Peel Public Health.

They went to a hospital on March 4 because of symptoms associated with the disease, also known as COVID-19, and were "quickly identified and isolated," the press release said.

Passengers in rows 18 to 22 of WestJet flight 1199 should self-isolate

The couple had been traveling on the Grand Princess cruise ship between Feb. 11 and 21, the press release said. At least 21 people on board have confirmed cases of COVID-19.

During their return to Canada, they may have been able to pass the virus to others, according to the press release. Passengers seated in rows 18 to 22 of the WestJet flight were directed to self-isolate and call their local public health service.

WestJet said in a statement on its website last Friday that it was informed the day prior by Canadian health officials of the two passengers who tested positive for COVID-19.

"The safety of our guests and crews is our top priority," the statement said. "WestJet has standard procedures in place for dealing with illness and is working with (the Public Health Agency of Canada), Peel Public Health and the Toronto Pearson Airport."

Sky Harbor monitoring developments

Sky Harbor said in a press release Monday it was monitoring new-coronavirus developments.

In addition to its 24-hour cleaning schedule, the airport increased the number of times per day it sanitized "high-touch areas," the press release said. Employees and passengers were also being encouraged to use hand sanitizer and wash hands often for at least 20 seconds, the press release said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had not requested any specific changes to the airport's standard health and safety protocols related to the virus, according to the press release.

"Some airports have been designated as primary gateways, with additional health protocols in place because of their high number of nonstop flights to impacted areas. Sky Harbor is not a designated airport at this time," the press release said.

Reach the reporter at chelsea.curtis@arizonarepublic.com or follow her on Twitter @curtis_chels.

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