Cruise ship arrives in Hong Kong for coronavirus checks

A cruise ship carrying 1,800 people that was originally turned away from a Taiwanese port arrived in Hong Kong on Tuesday where everyone aboard the vessel would be quarantined until they are checked for a new virus.

The World Dream ship, operated by Genting Cruise Lines, was refused entry at Kaohsiung port earlier on Tuesday after three passengers on an earlier voyage were later diagnosed with the new coronavirus.

Port health official Leung Yiu Hong said 90 percent of current passengers are from Hong Kong and no one is from mainland China.

He said more than 30 crew members with symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat will undergo tests.

Leung said everyone will undergo temperature screening and must fill in a health declaration form.

They won't be allowed to leave until the tests are done.

Leung said the length of the quarantine or the possibility of other steps will depend on the health tests.