THURROCK-based Cruise and Maritime Voyages, which runs many holiday voyages on ships departing the International Terminal at Tilbury has announced a series of moves designed to avoid Coronavirus affecting its passengers.

The company says people who have been to China in the past 30 days will not be allowed to embark.

A statement says: "Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) is closely monitoring developments regarding the Coronavirus outbreak and is operating in conjunction with national and international healthcare authorities.

"The health and safety of passengers and crew is CMV's highest priority and CMV has introduced and continues to review additional measures for the protection of passengers and crew.

"CMV will continue to review all port calls in light of the travel advisories of the World Health Organisation, the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office, and US State department. Where there is advice against visiting certain ports those calls will be cancelled and alternative arrangements will be made.

"Effective immediately, additional health screening procedures are being put in place in all ports of embarkation. Until further notice, CMV will not be accepting any passengers or crew for embarkation who have travelled to mainland China within the past 30 days.

"CMV will continue to monitor the situation and will review and extend precautionary measures as the outbreak develops.