Burnie has hosted five cruise ships in seven days but no need for alarm

The local mayor says he is more worried about catching a disease from a local than any of the cruise ship passengers who have docked and explored the city over the past week.

BURNIE’S Mayor says he is more worried about catching a disease from a local than any of the cruise ship passengers who have docked and explored the city over the past week.

The northwest city hosted five cruise ships last week and another, the Sea Princess, is due on Friday.

More cruise ship passengers will disembark in the northwest city the week after that as cruise companies tweak their itineraries as the coronavirus throws the industry into chaos.

Social media is filling up with comments from Tasmanians concerned that passengers could be harbouring the coronavirus and infect locals when they come into port.

The fears come as more cruise ships are quarantined in the USA and Tasmanians stuck on board a liner which was quarantined in Japan last month finally make it home.

But Burnie Mayor Steve Kons said people needed to calm down.

“If people are that worried they can come down to the dock and give me a hand as I met and greet those coming to explore our city,” he said.

“Cruise ships are being extremely vigilant and anyone embarking on a maiden voyage has their passports checked to see where they have been.

“The pros associated with cruise ship tourism certainly outweigh the unwarranted panic. I am more concerned about catching something from a local to be honest.”

Mr Kons, who operates a bottle shop in Burnie said he hopes the next panic buy is on alcohol.

“We have had the run on toilet paper and hand sanitiser why not a run on alcohol. people can have a relaxing drink and stay calm. Remember, alcohol kills germs,” he joked.

The Seabourn Encore will arrive in Hobart tomorrow followed by the Queen Elizabeth, the Sea Princess on March 14 and the Pacific Aria on March 15.