Ruby Princess doctor said 'we have to stop all cruise ships' before fateful voyage, inquiry told

Two inquiries into ship linked to 21 coronavirus deaths hear evidence of multiple errors and confusion surrounding ship's return to Sydney

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The senior doctor on board the Ruby Princess told a NSW Health employee that we just have to stop all cruise ships" from as early as 8 March, a special inquiry has heard, amid evidence revealing a litany of errors and confusion surrounding the last voyage of the ship linked to 21 deaths and almost 700 cases of Covid-19.

The inquiry heard the ship was initially refused permission to dock by the NSW Port Authority, and an official from the Australian Border Force discussed turning the ship around and sending it back to sea", before both decisions were overturned.