The Holland America cruise lines is trying to track down some 1,454 passengers from a cruise ship after one of them later tested positive for the Covid-19 coronavirus.

The MS Westerdam spent two weeks at sea as country after country rejected it on the fear that the passengers could be infected with the novel coronavirus, although there were several contemporaneous reports indicating no passengers displayed any such symptoms.  That ship made its way from Hong Kong on 1 February to Cambodia, where passengers disembarked at Sihanoukville on 14 February. 

Health authorities gave passengers permission to travel once they pass their medical checks, and many have left the country as of Sunday.  But an 83-year old American woman later tested positive for Covid-19.  

"Guests who have already returned home will be contacted by their local health department and be provided further information," read the statement from the company.

Holland America, which is owned by Carnival Cruise Lines, said it is working with health officials in Malaysia and Cambodia and experts in the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

"These experts are working with the appropriate national health authorities to investigate and follow-up with individuals who may have come in contact with the guest," said Dr. Grant Tarling, Chief Medical Officer for Holland America Line.