California declared a state of emergency over the novel coronavirus as a cruise ship was held off the coast over fears of a new outbreak, AFP reported.

Thousands travelling aboard the Grand Princess — the same cruise ship on which California's first victim was thought to have contracted the virus — were held offshore.

The ship cut short its current voyage back from Hawaii after passengers and crew members developed symptoms. But its planned return to San Francisco was held up in order to carry out testing on board for those potentially infected.

Eleven passengers and 10 crew members were potentially infected with the virus, California Governor Gavin Newsom said.

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