The Dominican Republic has turned away a cruise ship with eight passengers showing potential symptoms of the new coronavirus.
The Public Health Ministry and Port Authority on Thursday said it was informed that four Filipinos, two British citizens and two Americans on board the Braemar cruise ship were under medical observation for fever, coughing or breathing difficulty.
The vessel's operator, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said it was in discussions with government officials and awaiting advice on the next steps.
The ship, carrying over 1,500 passengers and crew, was on its way to the Caribbean nation after a 14-day tour.
Public Health Minister Rafael Sanchez Cardenas said the Braemar had already been barred by another port, which he did not specify.
Earlier, two other cruise ships were denied entry by various countries after those on board fell ill and were eventually able to dock -- one in Cambodia and the other in Mexico.■
<Photo: Yonahp News>
