Passengers and crew on the World Dream cruise ship have been allowed to disembark after being stuck for four days off the coast of Hong Kong over fears of the coronavirus.

The 3,600 passengers were put into quarantine on Wednesday (5 February) after it emerged that three passengers who has sailed on a previous voyage were later found to have contracted the virus.

Chief port health officer Leng Yiu-Hong said all 1,800 crew members had tested negative for the coronavirus and that everyone would be allowed to disembark without the need to self-quarantine.

But on Sunday, Hong Kong’s health minister said 468 people had been ordered to stay home, in hotel rooms or government-run centres, one day after officials implemented a mandatory two-week quarantine period for anyone arriving from mainland China.

As of Monday 10 February, the outbreak has killed 910 people, all but two in mainland China, with more than 40,000 infected worldwide. It has now killed more people than the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) in 2003.

Another cruise ship, Diamond Princess, remains in quarantine off the coast of Japan after diagnosed cases went up to 136, with tests on the 3,700 passengers still in progress.

Eight people in the UK have now been diagnosed with the virus as the government issued new powers in England to keep people in quarantine to stop the virus spreading.

The Department of Health has described the virus as a “serious and imminent threat” to public health, while still keeping the overall risk level to the UK as moderate.

Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) members have adopted enhanced screening measures and protocols in response to the coronavirus.

CLIA members will deny boarding to all people who, within 14 days before embarkation, have had close contact with, or helped care for, anyone suspected or diagnosed as having coronavirus, or who is currently subject to health monitoring for possible exposure to novel coronavirus.

Cruise lines will also conduct pre-boarding screening and enhanced screening and initial medical support will be provided to anyone exhibiting symptoms of the virus.

Royal Caribbean and NCL announced on Friday that they would be banning all passengers and crew with Chinese passports from all of their cruise ships.

For the latest coronavirus travel and safety information, visit the FOC website.