A luxury cruise ship has been diverted to Fremantle amid concerns about the deadly coronavirus, which could cost Western Australia up to $300 million in tourism revenue.
Cruise operator Cunard has confirmed the Queen Mary 2 liner will skip scheduled stops in Singapore and several other cities, including Hong Kong.
The vessel will instead travel directly from Malaysia to Fremantle, arriving next Tuesday before embarking on an Australian itinerary.
Passengers and crew who had travelled from or through mainland China, Hong Kong or Macau within the last 14 days would not be permitted to board.
Ocean liner Queen Mary 2 is seen docked at her homeport at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in New York. Source: AP
"The health and safety of our guests and crew is of utmost importance to us," Cunard said in a statement.
"Although the risk to our guests and crew is low, the coronavirus situation is dynamic and evolving."
The company said it would continue to conduct pre-boarding screening while the ship, which can carry about 4000 passengers and crew, would also be regularly disinfected.
WA is yet to record a coronavirus case, with more than 50 people having returned negative test results.
But the state's economy has taken a hit due to a combination of factors related to the outbreak, including a fall in the iron ore price.
The state Labor government on Monday committed $10 million to the ailing tourism sector to be spent on marketing and discounted regional flights.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA said the state was set to lose between $250 and $300 million in visitor spending.
"It is critical that both the state and federal governments keep their options open to potentially further support the sector and the economy," chief executive Chris Rodwell said.
