More than 2,000 stranded on cruise liner in Phuket over Italian “risk” tourists

Over 2,000 passengers and crew on board the Costa Fortuna cruise liner, which arrived in Patong yesterday, have been denied permission to disembark. The ban comes after official confirmation that 64 Italians onboard left Italy in the past 14 days. The move follows the Thai government’s institution of a 14 day self-quarantine on all people arriving from China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Macao, Iran and Italy. (See story here.)

The cruise ship arrived in Patong yesterday morning on a scheduled overnight stop, with 1,631 passengers, 984 crew and ship staff on board.

Genoa-based cruise operator Costa Crociere says the passengers are ‘all healthy’ and there are no suspected cases on board, according to Sky Italia.

“The health situation on board is clear and there is no suspected case on the ship among Italian or other nationalities.”

‘In a constantly changing situation, we confirm that the safety of our guests and crew members is a top priority.’

But according to Phuket immigration police:

“On board are three Chinese, two Singaporeans, 151 French nationals, 230 Germans and 282 Italians.”

The decision to forbid persons to disembark in Phuket follows confirmation that 64 of the Italians on the ship are suspected (not confirmed) of carrying Covid-19 coronavirus.

“While there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 on the ship, all people on board are a health risk and they must remain in quarantine for 14 days.”

“They must stay on the ship, and the ship must remain about two nautical miles from shore.”

“Next we will have to discuss what is to be done with other cruise ships scheduled to come to Phuket. We need to talk with the Phuket Governor before we can make any decisions regarding those.”

SOURCE: Mail Online | The Phuket News