After initially being restricted from passing through the Panama Canal, the country has changed its tune and the cruise ship MS Zaandam will be allowed through.
There are more than 130 people on the ship suffering from “flu-like symptoms,” as well as two people who have tested positive for COVID-19 and four elderly passengers who have died.
The MS Rotterdam, owned by Holland America, like the Zaandam, was also waiting to transit the canal.
“We are aware of reported permission for both Zaandam and Rotterdam to transit the Panama Canal in the near future,” Holland American said in a statement at 11 p.m. Eastern time. “We greatly appreciate this consideration in the humanitarian interest of our guests and crew. This remains a dynamic situation, and we continue to work with the Panamanian authorities to finalize details.”
