Cruise passengers arrive in NJ to be tested for coronavirus
A Royal Caribbean ship returns from the Bahamas after some passengers develop pulmonary issues and are quarantined; Todd Piro reports from port in Bayonne, N.J.
A total of 27 passengers aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship were tested for the coronavirus upon arrival at a port in Bayonne, N.J., on Friday morning, with four being sent for additional screenings at a local hospital.
The passengers, believed to be Chinese nationals, had been kept in isolation aboard the Anthem of the Seas before docking at the port, according to sources for the New York Post.
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"Like airlines, we are participating in elevated levels of guest screening to check the spread of coronavirus," a spokesperson for Royal Caribbean said in a statement provided to Fox News on Friday morning. "We are closely monitoring developments regarding coronavirus and have rigorous medical protocols in place onboard our ships. We continue to work in close consultation with the CDC, the WHO, and local health authorities to align with their guidance and ensure the health and wellbeing of our guests and crew."
By the late morning on Friday, Royal Caribbean issued a press release confirming that four passengers were being screened, but "all other guests" have been permitted to disembark.
"We appreciate the CDC’s abundance of caution and their partnership. We understand CDC intends to test samples from four guests for coronavirus," wrote Royal Caribbean. "None of the four guests showed any clinical signs or symptoms of coronavirus while they were onboard our ship. One had tested positive onboard for Influenza A. Our records indicate the guests had not been in China since January 26–14 days ago.
"All other guests have been permitted to disembark as usual. We have also been cleared by authorities to depart on our next cruise as usual. However, to reassure concerned guests, we will delay our departure until tomorrow, when we expect to receive conclusive test results from CDC."
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New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy had already confirmed earlier in the day that 23 of the tested passengers had been cleared.
“Personnel from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention boarded a cruise ship docked in Bayonne this morning and screened 27 passengers who recently traveled from mainland China. After being assessed by the CDC, 23 of those passengers were cleared and four individuals are being evaluated at an area hospital," Governor Murphy said in a news release. "The hospital is following proper infection control protocols while evaluating these individuals. New Jersey currently has no confirmed cases of novel coronavirus and the risk to residents remains low.”
The Anthem of the Seas arrived back in New Jersey on Friday morning, following a cruise to the Bahamas.
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Just prior to the docking of the Anthem of the Seas in New Jersey, Royal Caribbean had announced on Thursday that it would be banning any passengers from boarding its ships if they have been to China within the past 15 days.
"After consultation with medical experts and public health authorities, regardless of nationality, any guest or crewmember traveling from, to, or through mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macau less than 15 days prior to their sailing will be unable to board any of our ships," the cruise line announced Thursday.
Royal Caribbean added that certain passengers would also be screened before boarding, including: anyone who had been in contact with someone who traveled through China within the past 15 days; anyone with a passport from China, Hong Kong or Macao; and anyone feeling ill.
"These measures will help reduce the potential for the virus to further spread, and will ensure the health of our guests and crew. We thank everyone for their patience and understanding."
A representative for the CDC was not immediately available to provide further comment.
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This is a developing story. Check back for updates.