Concerns have eased over a cruise ship set to dock in Fremantle in the next 24 hours, which had reported hundreds of unwell passengers and raised the prospect of people needing to disembark for treatment.

Key points: The MSC Magnifica has passengers from Germany, France and Italy

The MSC Magnifica has passengers from Germany, France and Italy Mark McGowan said a large number on board were ill

Mark McGowan said a large number on board were ill The WA Premier says passengers will not be allowed to disembark

The MSC Magnifica disclosed to authorities that it had 298 unwell passengers over the past 14 days, sparking concerns the vessel could be at the centre of an outbreak of coronavirus.

The concerns sparked a major emergency response in WA, with authorities scrambling to free up hospital space and prepare to receive potentially hundreds of unwell patients.

Discussions had also taken place with the Federal Government about the possibility of Defence assistance being required.

But it is understood the Magnifica has since clarified its situation and the company no longer wants to have any passengers disembark or receive medical treatment while berthed in Fremantle.

It is set to refuel in Fremantle, with all passengers remaining on board, before continuing to Dubai.

The ship's doctor confirmed there was illness on board, but it was not believed to be serious at this time.

"As all passengers and crew on board are well, the ship plans to continue along her scheduled itinerary," the company said in a statement.

"The information provided to the port, as requested by them, simply lists the total number of people who have been on board along this entire cruise for any kind of medical issue, including routine.

"None of these individuals suffer from any respiratory diseases or present any flu-like symptoms."

The arrival comes a day before the state plans to close all its borders to non-essential travel in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19

No repeat of Sydney situation: McGowan

Mr McGowan said in securing WA's ports he was determined not to have a repeat of the Ruby Princess in Sydney, where passengers were allowed to disembark after docking at Circular Quay despite confirmed COVID-19 cases on board.

"I will not allow what happened in Sydney to happen here," Mr McGowan said.

"We will not allow passengers or crew to wander the streets. This is a non-negotiable position.

"We'll work with medical authorities to provide assistance to those in urgent need.

"My first priority has to be protecting Western Australians, this is an emerging and evolving issue."

The WA Government subsequently released a statement confirming the vessel would make a refuelling stop at Fremantle tomorrow, but no passengers or crew would disembark.

"Over the past 24 hours the vessel had provided inconsistent advice to both the State and Federal Governments, about the health of its passengers and its intentions around disembarkation," the statement said.

"The State Government's position was clear this morning, that position was based on the latest information received from the cruise company.

"MSC Cruises now advises that all passengers and crew are 'well' or don't suffer from any 'respiratory diseases'.

"WA Police and Border Force will be at the port tomorrow morning to monitor the refuel exercise.

"In this environment we cannot take risks and we will always put the Western Australian community first."

Six WA cases reported from Ruby Princess cruise ship

The number of coronavirus cases in Western Australia has increased by 20 overnight.

It brings the number of diagnosed cases to 140, including one death.

WA COVID-19 snapshot Confirmed cases so far: 662

Confirmed cases so far: 662 Recovered: 650

Recovered: 650 Deaths: 9

Deaths: 9 Total tests: 395,402 Latest information from the WA Health Department





A total of 12 patients are in hospital and two are listed in a critical condition.

Of the new cases, six are passengers from the Ruby Princess cruise ship.

"That is passengers that returned to Western Australia via Sydney," Health Minister Roger Cook said.

"We also had one passenger from the Ovation of the Seas cruise ship."