A coronavirus-hit cruise ship previously docked in Australia arrived in the Philippines yesterday, carrying more than 214 Filipino seafarers, the Philippine Coast Guard confirmed.
The MV Ruby Princess, which sparked coronavirus infections and was the subject of an investigation in Australia, reached Manila at 8 a.m., Commodore Armand Balilo, Coast Guard spokesman, said.
It was carrying 214 Filipino seafarers who were immediately tested for COVID-19 upon docking at the Manila Bay anchorage.
Balilo said before reaching Manila, the virus-stricken cruise ship came from the vicinity waters off Mindoro. It reportedly left Australia last April 24.
Seafarers found positive for COVID-19 will be brought to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Muntinlupa City while those who turned out negative will be sent home but are advised to undergo 14-day quarantine in their homes.
A total of 2,126 sea-based returning overseas Filipino workers have been tested, the Coast Guard said.
Crew members of seven cruise ships – MV Carnival Spirit, MV Pacific Aria, MV Pacific Explorer, Costa Venezia, MV Voyager of the Seas, MV Sea Princess, and MV Sun Princess – were tested Wednesday as medical teams from the Coast Guard launched a massive testing aboard vessels.
Balilo revealed that eight more cruise ships carrying Filipino seafarers are expected to arrive in the country within two weeks. (Betheena Unite)