Health official says Canadians should avoid cruise ships due to COVID-19

Canada’s top health doctor is recommending all residents avoid travelling on cruise ships due to COVID-19.

Public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam says Canadians should steer clear from cruise ships to protect against the spread of the virus, also known as coronavirus.

Tam says the ships may voyage to areas with confirmed or undiagnosed cases of coronavirus and its associated respiratory disease.

There are currently six cases of COVID-19 in Canada that are linked to the last voyage of the Grand Princess cruise ship, which travelled out of California.

Ontario health officials recently announced three new cases of the virus, bringing the total in the province to 34.

The patients include a man in his fifties who recently travelled to German, a man in his eighties who travelled to Iran and a woman in her seventies who also recently travelled to Iran.

Health officials say while the virus is not circulating locally, the province is preparing for potential spread of the illness.