A passenger aboard the Golden Princess cruise ship which arrived in Canterbury today is being tested for COVID-19.
Passengers on board the Golden Princess are not being allowed off the ship which berthed in Akaroa Harbour this morning.
There are three passengers on board who have been quarantined by the ship's doctor. One of the three has developed symptoms of COVID-19 and is being treated as a suspected case. This person will be tested today with results expected tomorrow.
Canterbury District Health Board Medical Officer of Health, Dr Ramon Pink said the public health team is taking a precautionary approach. The three people are in quarantine, and the cruise ship company has been very cooperative.
'We realise this is disappointing news for other passengers and tourism/hospitality operators in Akaroa and Canterbury who were expecting to host the passengers today. We cannot risk the potential further spread if this person tests positive.
'Two of the three people isolated have been in contact with a confirmed case in the past 14 days,” says Dr Pink.
The Golden Princess last visited Tauranga on February 20 and was due to arrive again at the Port of Tauranga on March 18 and April 14. These visits have now been cancelled.
2 comments
Meantime in Tauranga
Posted on 15-03-2020 11:59 | By No Bull Reallyl
Tourism BOP only a week or so ago assured us there was no risk from cruise ship visits. I’m getting the feeling it’s all about money and little concern for locals.
@No Bull Really
Posted on 16-03-2020 12:31 | By morepork
I share your concern. At least, in this case the right course of action has been pursued. But it is taking too long for people to realize that this is serious and proper measures need to be taken. I hope the people who are positive recover and there is no further spread of the virus.
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to make a comment.