MSC Cruises, part of the Geneva-based shipping giant Mediterranean Shipping Company, announced that an Australian passenger who had cruised onboard the MSC Opera in the East Mediterranean from 17-28 February, tested positive for COVID-19, on 3 March.
The announcement came Wednesday, after relevant notification by Health Authorities in Austria to the shipping operator.
As informed, this guest returned directly to Austria through northern Italy on 28 February, immediately after disembarking from his cruise in Genoa, Italy.
MSC Opera arrived yesterday in Piraeus, Greece, where MSC promptly informed the Greek Health Authorities about this reported case and asked for their guidelines.
We requested at the same time that guests, as a precautionary measure, remained onboard while awaiting guidance from the local authorities. We shared with the local health authorities the ship’s full medical records as well as the medical and travel history records of the former Austrian guest.
As such, the Greek health authorities gave MSC Opera permission around 1:00 pm CET to sail from Piraeus, and continue its journey to its next scheduled port in Corfu, Greece.
No additional health measures were required.
The ship arrived in Corfu where all of its 1,579 passengers were allowed to disembark as planned, after regional health authorities examined the situation.
There are 1,579 passengers and 723 crew members onboard, making a total of 2,302 people.
There are no guests or crew members currently onboard the ship who have reported any flu-like symptoms, MSC noted.
As coronavirus is a key area of concern for cruise ships operators, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) recently updated its measures against the disease, after collaboration with cruise companies, health experts, medical centers and regulators around the world.
