In light of the coronavirus situation, the cruise ship “MSC Meraviglia” altered direction as it was rejected by two ports in the Caribbean waters, due to the fact that one of its crewmembers fell sick, reportedly with the common seasonal flu.
With the fear of the Filipino crewmember to be infected by the coronavirus, the cruise vessel was not allowed to berth in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, as their authorities refused to let passengers disembark.
For the records, around 4.500 passengers and 1.600 crewmembers were onboard the MSC Meraviglia. According to the cruise company, the vessel is currently at sea on its way to Cozumel, Mexico,the next scheduled port of call.
According to the Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness, the vessel was denied entering the port as it was discovered that the crewmember was placed in isolation.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness said…
The crew member had a cough, fever and associated muscle pains with a travel history to a country of interest relating to the COVID-19
Although, the sick crewmemebrer was diagnozed with common seasonal flu and is in a stable condition, trying to recover.
Out of precaution he was isolated from other crew members and guests from the moment that he showed symptoms and will remain so until he is fully recovered. No other cases of type A influenza have been reported on board. No cases of COVID-19 virus have been reported on board MSC Meraviglia or any other ship in MSC Cruises’ fleet.
…the company concluded.
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