Screening procedures for cruise ships berthing in Sydney are to be enhanced to minimise the risk of passengers with respiratory conditions disembarking before Coronavirus tests can be carried out.
A spokesperson for NSW Health said the Department’s assessment of cruise ships entering State ports had exceeded Federal Government protocols since the start of March, but State procedures were now being boosted.
“NSW Health will go even further, beyond the National Protocol and its current own State protocols, and will hold all cruise ships in port until any patients highlighted as having respiratory issues are tested for COVID-19,” the spokesperson said.
“The increased testing regime follows 26 confirmed cases of COVID-19 from the Ruby Princess, including 17 passengers and one crew member diagnosed in NSW, and eight passengers diagnosed interstate.”
The spokesperson said the COVID-19 cases would not have been confirmed if NSW Health hadn’t already had additional measures in place in relation to cruise ships.
The spokesperson said the ship’s 2,647 passengers had been advised to self-isolate at home or in their accommodation for 14 days upon disembarking.
NSW Health officials had emailed, sent text messages and phoned cruise passengers to advise of the confirmed cases on board and to reinforce the importance of self-isolation and regular self-monitoring for symptoms, the spokesperson said.
