Cambodian PM says all Westerdam passengers return home after testing negative for COVID-19
Xinhua
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PHNOM PENH, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said on Monday that all Westerdam cruise ship passengers had left Cambodia for their home countries after none of them tested positive for COVID-19.

"Now, all have left Cambodia, but some crew have not gone back yet because they asked to spend more time in Cambodia," he said in a special speech live televised on the National Television of Cambodia (TVK).

Meanwhile, the prime minister said that to date, no Cambodian has been infected with the COVID-19.

Hun Sen said the country continues to strengthen thermal scanning at all airports, ports and border checkpoints to prevent the virus from spreading to Cambodia. He also urged people to wear masks if necessary and wash hands frequently.

The Westerdam cruise liner, carrying a total of 1,455 passengers and 802 crew members, departed China's Hong Kong on Feb. 1, and had been turned away by several countries and regions due to fears over the virus before being allowed by Cambodia to dock in the port of Sihanoukville.