Guests who have tested positive for COVID-19 on board Coral Princess will be quarantined for five days on board as the ship, which arrived in Western Australia as the first cruise ship in two years.
The cruise ship docked in Broome on Monday morning after departing Sydney on October 11, during which an unknown number of passengers contracted the virus.
From October 1, the WA Government relaxed its rules and allowed large cruise ships with a capacity of more than 350 guests to return to the state, with Coral Princess being the first to do so.
Under new cruise ship protocols, COVID-positive passengers must self-isolate for at least five days, while their close contacts must test daily, wear a mask and eat in a separate dining area.
Carnival Australia president, Princess Cruises owner Marguerite Fitzgerald said in a statement on Tuesday: “We continue to closely monitor the small number of guests who tested positive for COVID-19 on board Coral Princess.
“As a result of early detection and isolation, the number of cases remains stable with most of our 2,000 guests unaffected. In accordance with our strict and robust protocols approved by the WA Government, guests who test positive are required to self-isolate for a period of five days.
“These guests are being cared for in their rooms by our medical and support staff. We are pleased to share that all cases on board have been mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic.
“For our remaining guests, they are able to move freely on board and disembark at onward destinations. This includes Geraldton where every disembarking guest will be required to take a Rapid Antigen Test before going ashore,” she continued.
“This is standard procedure and one that is well understood by our guests to protect themselves, other guests, our crew and the community.”
A WA Health spokesperson also released a statement saying cruise ship operators should adhere to national east coast and Western Australia cruise protocols and have their own COVID-19 plans in place.
“In accordance with protocols, while in WA waters cruise operators must report cases of COVID-19 to WA Health 12 to 24 hours prior to arrival at a WA port,” they said.
“Regarding coral princess, WA Health has been advised that passengers and crew have tested positive for COVID-19 and this developing situation is being managed by the vessel operator in accordance with its COVID-19 plan.
“According to protocols, those ships on board that have COVID must be isolated for five days.”
