Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan urged the cruise ship “Artania”, which is docked in Fremantle, to leave the port amid fears that more potential coronavirus cases may harm the state’s health system.
Although most of the Artania’s passengers have returned back home, there are still 12 passengers and 460 foreign crew onboard.
According to several reports, 41 of the cruise ship’s passengers and crew have been tested COVID-19 positive and they are being treated in Western Australian hospitals.
Operator, Phoenix-Reisen GmbH refused to leave the port for 14 days, in order to be further examined whether more people onboard are infected, while requested the ship’s sanitation, as Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported.
“If the ship needs to be cleaned, well, clean it and then get it on its way. I’d urge the Australian Border Force to get the ship on its way. It has to get back to Germany”Premier Mark McGowan told reporters.
Moreover, the cruise ship has also been directed by the Australian Border Force (ABF) to depart Fremantle, but ABF Commissioner Michael Outram is taking a softer stance on the issue. In fact, he noted that the Artania’s crew members undergoing the test could be safely quarantined on board, citing views from a medical expert from WA Health, the ship’s master and onboard doctor.
Overall, in light of the COVID-19 situation, the Australian Prime Minister has already announced the implementation of improved restrictions by midnight of March 15, for those entering from any overseas destination.