Phnom Penh (FN), Feb. 12 – Cambodia has allowed Westerdam Cruise to dock in Cambodia’s Sihanoukville Port after she was refused entries to six countries due to fearing of Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19).
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen told Fresh News CEO Lim Chea Vutha on Wednesday night that the motives of entry are to eliminate fear and discrimination.
“Like I said, the real disease is fear, not the virus. We want to eliminate the fear of disease,” the premier told Fresh News CEO.
“Cambodia has no discrimination. We must contribute to humanitarian affairs in times of emergency,” he said.
“If no one allows entry, Cambodia does. The Kingdom does not just cooperate with China, but with all nations. Coronavirus is a global challenge, and that our humanitarian affairs have no borders,” Cambodia’s Strongman underlined.
In her statement updated on 12 February 2020 at 3:30am Pacific Time, Westerdam said she is now sailing for Sihanoukville, Cambodia.
“We will arrive at 7:00 a.m. local time on Thursday, 13 February, and will remain in port for several days for disembarkation. Guests will be able to go ashore. All approvals have been received and we are extremely grateful to the Cambodian authorities for their support.”
“All guests on board are healthy and despite erroneous reports there are no known or suspected cases of coronavirus on board, nor have their ever been,” the statement added.
According to ABC News, the cruise ship, which left Hong Kong on 1 February, has already been refused entry to the Philippines and Japan and numerous ports in Taiwan, as well as South Korea, Guam, and Thailand.
“Port authorities have cited fears that passengers may be carrying the coronavirus, despite the ship's operators saying they have no reason to believe there are any cases on board.”
=FRESH NEWS