The Jordan Maritime Commission (JMC) is considering the possibility of banning a cruise ship from queuing up at the Aqaba Ports docks. 

The ship is scheduled to arrive on March 26 and carries 3000 tourists of various nationalities, including 700 Italian tourists, Director General of the JMC, Mohammad Salman said in a statement on Monday, March 9. 

"The decision will be taken as a precaution due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, especially since the cruise ship is touring a large number of countries within its tourism program, including the city of Aqaba," Salman added.

He confirmed that in coordination with shipping agents, the JMC closely monitors movements of all ships that arrive in the Aqaba port, southern Jordan, whether they were carrying tourists, goods, or containers vessels, 30 days before they reach the territorial waters.