Navy evacuating thousands from carrier after COVID-19 outbreak
Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly breaks down the carrier evacuation and precautions put in place to protect sailors.
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The Coral Princess cruise ship, which is currently dealing with an outbreak of coronavirus, is scheduled to arrive in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., on April 4, Princess Cruises confirmed in a statement to Fox News.
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The cruise ship, which is carrying 1,898 people – 1,020 guests and 878 crew members – has recorded 12 positive cases of COVID-19 onboard.
According to a news release, the cruise liner collected 13 test samples to Barbados on March 31 to see if they were positive for coronavirus. Twelve of the 13 tested positive, including 7 guests and 5 crew members.
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The cruise liner shared it remains “in contact with local officials regarding disembarkation details” once it arrives in Ft. Lauderdale. (iStock)
As the ship continues on to Ft. Lauderdale, passengers have been asked to self-isolate in their staterooms. Each meal has been delivered via room service, and internet and telephone service has been offered to guests free of charge. Face masks are also being distributed to other members on the ship.
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“We are conducting these proactive actions to protect the health of all onboard. These measures and precautions have been developed in coordination with the U.S. CDC,” the press release stated.
The cruise liner shared it remains “in contact with local officials regarding disembarkation details” once it arrives in Ft. Lauderdale.
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Meanwhile, two Holland America cruise ships, the Zaandam and the Rotterdam, which are carrying over 200 sick passengers and crew, has reached a conditional arrangement with Florida officials about disembarkation, also in Fort Lauderdale.
The Zaandam and the Rotterdam arrived early on Thursday morning, with 233 passengers and crew who, at some point since March 22, were said to have been exhibiting “influenza-like illness symptoms," according to Holland America. At least eight of the people onboard had tested positive for COVID-19; four “older” guests were also confirmed to have died on the Zaandam last week.