Scramble to track cruise passengers after COVID-19 case reported

Efforts are on to track passengers of a cruise liner that had docked in Cambodia after an American national tested positive for the coronavirus.

Holland America Line said it is working with health officials in Malaysia and Cambodia to contact all passengers who were earlier cleared to fly back to their home countries.  

"These experts are working with the appropriate national health authorities to investigate and follow-up with individuals who may have come in contact with the guest," said Dr. Grant Tarling, Chief Medical Officer for Holland America Line.

The cruise line, which had spent two weeks at sea after being turned away by Japan, Taiwan, Guam, the Philippines and Thailand, said none of the other 1,454 passengers and 802 crew had reported any symptoms.

According to some media reports, around 300 Americans are still in Cambodia and will undergo fresh tests for the coronavirus.