(Bloomberg) --
Australian authorities seeking to limit the threat from coronavirus from cruise ships have said two of the vessels that have been moored off the nation's coast have departed.
The two ships, operated by Carnival Plc., sailed from New South Wales state overnight, Police Commissioner Michael Fuller told reporters in Sydney on Friday. One crew member was evacuated to Australia for medical assistance, he said
Another five Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. vessels are expected to depart after refueling and restocking on Sunday, Fuller said, adding it was “a wonderful outcome for all.”
In an emailed statement on Friday, Royal Caribbean said: “We are coordinating with local authorities and appreciate their guidance and support to ensure the health and safety of the community.”
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While the problem looks closer to an end in New South Wales, other states are still seeking resolution. The departures of the two ships means there are 19 cruise liners in Australian waters, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corp.
Many countries have become increasingly reluctant to grant entry to cruise ships after the infection of more than 700 people on the Diamond Princess berthed off Japan showed how quickly the virus could spread.
Australia has barred foreign cruise ships, but has been allowing domestic vessels, and some ships that were at sea when the restrictions were announced, to dock and disembark passengers. Hundreds of people have become infected with the coronavirus after passengers were allowed to disembark a ship in Sydney before test results were known.
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