The Majestic Princess cruise ship, with around 800 Covid positive passengers out of 4,600 travelers and crew members, has docked in Sydney. Operator Princess Cruises said that patients with the virus had been isolated and that each passenger had undergone a rapid test within 24 hours of arrival.
Marguerite Fitzgerald, president of Majestic Princess’s parent company, Carnival Australia, said all cases were asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and that people were warned to stay away from public places, the Guardian. Although people with Covid are not currently required to isolate themselves under Australian rules, it is recommended that they stay home when they are unwell.
“We always knew there was a risk that at some point we would see a surge in cases in the community and then on ships as well. It’s been nearly three years and, since then, we as a community have learned much, much more about Covid, “Fitzgerald said. “We’ve learned what works to help mitigate transmission, we’ve learned how to protect our vulnerable people.” The docking of the ship brought to mind the arrival of the Ruby Princess in Sydney in March 2020 – at the beginning of the Australian pandemic – where there were 28 deaths and over 600 infections. The incident led to a government commission of inquiry and collective action against the operator.
The outbreak on board comes after an increase in the number of cases across Australia over the past week – an anticipated “fourth wave” – which prompted Queensland to ask residents to use face masks in healthcare facilities, indoors and on public transport.
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The cruise ship with 800 Covid positives
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