A cruise docks at the port of La Goulette in Tunis, Tunisia, Nov. 14, 2019. (Photo: Xinhua)

OTTAWA, March 9 (Xinhua) -- The Public Health Agency of Canada Monday urged Canadians not to take any cruise ship travel because of the risk of contracting COVID-19.

At a press conference in Ottawa on Monday morning, Canadian Chief Public Health Officer Theresa Tam said the Public Health Agency of Canada is recommending that Canadians avoid all cruise ship travel due to COVID-19 as "the virus can spread quickly on cruise ships due to the close contact between passengers."

Tam was joined at the press conference by Canadian Health Minister Patty Hajdu and Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, who were questioned on why it has taken until now for the Canadian government to recommend against cruise travel by Canadians.

Canadian Foreign Affairs Ministry announced Sunday Canada will send a chartered plane to bring home Canadians on board the Grand Princess cruise ship that is being held off the coast of California because of an outbreak of COVID-19. "The plane will bring passengers from San Francisco to Canadian Forces Base Trenton, after which they will be assessed and undergo a 14-day quarantine."

The U.S. government announced on Friday that 21 passengers on board the Grand Princess cruise ship had tested positive for COVID-19.

The Grand Princess cruise ship, carrying more than 3,500 people from 54 countries, including 237 Canadians, is expected to reach port of Oakland, United States late Monday after idling off San Francisco for days.

There are six cases of COVID-19 in Canada linked to the previous voyage of the Grand Princess cruise ship.

Up to Monday noon, Canada has 71 confirmed COVID-19 cases.