US cruise ship passenger in Malaysia who tested positive for Covid-19 clear of virus

The cruise ship MS Westerdam at dock in the port of Sihanoukville, Cambodia, on Feb 16, 2020. PHOTO: REUTERS

PUTRAJAYA (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - The US cruise ship passenger who tested positive for coronavirus in Malaysia is now clear of the disease.

Deputy Prime Minister Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said on Friday (Feb 21) that the 83-year-old woman, who is currently being treated at the Sungai Buloh Hospital, has been tested repeatedly for Covid-19, with the results showing that she is clear of the virus.

"Her tests have come up negative. However, she is still being kept in hospital because she is not that well and still has symptoms.

"Once she is cleared of the symptoms, she can be discharged," said Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah at a press conference after chairing a high-level committee meeting on Covid-19.

The woman and her 85-year-old husband was on board the MS Westerdam, which docked in Sihanoukville, Cambodia last week.

The couple flew on a special chartered flight to Kuala Lumpur carrying 145 passengers from the cruise ship, with only both of them showing symptoms.

Two tests taken on the woman showed that she was positive for Covid-19, and she was then put in an isolation ward at the Sungai Buloh Hospital.

Her husband tested negative but he chose to stay and accompany his wife at the hospital.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.