Westerdam passengers in Thailand found virus-free

Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob has announced that all 27 passengers from the cruise ship MS Westerdam who arrived in Thailand have tested negative for the COVID-19 coronavirus. The passengers, who disembarked in Cambodia on Valentine’s Day and came to Thailand, “…have tested negative and been allowed to continue to their destinations.” Two Thai passengers onboard the luxury cruise also showed no symptom of the disease.

The Westerdam, carrying 1,455 passengers and 802 crew, docked at southwest Cambodia’s port of Sihanoukville last Thursday after being denied entry by Thailand, Japan, Taiwan, Guam and the Philippines, amid fears over contagion.

On Monday, a member of a Chinese family visiting Thailand tested positive for the virus, bringing the number of confirmed cases in Thailand to 35. Of those, 15 have made full recoveries and been sent home.

The Health Ministry’s Department of Disease Control says it will adjust its detection process by putting more focus on people from Hong Kong and Taiwan, and closely monitoring visitors from Japan and Singapore, where the risk alert has been lifted to Level 3. The ministry has prepared measures and plans in case the risk alert in Thailand is lifted to the third level as well.

SOURCE: Khaosod English