Coronavirus: thousands held on Grand Princess cruise ship off California over fears of new outbreak
- Ship not allowed into port until passengers have been tested for the virus
- A 71-year-old male guest who died had sailed on previous voyage
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Thousands were stranded on a cruise ship off the California coast Wednesday over fears of the new coronavirus after passengers and crew members on board developed symptoms.
Officials delayed the return of the Grand Princess to San Francisco on Wednesday night from Hawaii to carry out testing on board for those potentially infected.
About 100 Hongkongers from Diamond Princess free to leave quarantine
The ship’s return from its current voyage was being delayed to allow “ample timing” for testing of “a number of passengers and crew members that have developed symptoms,” Newsom told a press conference.
“So we’re holding that ship, which (has) thousands of passengers as well, off the coast, and we’ll be conducting those tests,” he added.
Eleven passengers and 10 crew members were potentially infected with the virus, Newsom said.
Around 62 passengers who remained on board from the earlier Mexico voyage were restricted to their rooms for testing, the Princess Cruises company said.
It was not specified if they were among those displaying symptoms.
“In an abundance of caution, these guests and other potential close crew contacts have been asked to remain in their staterooms until screened by our on-board medical team,” it said.
Diamond Princess guest slammed as ‘Ugly American’
The ship held about 2,500 passengers, plus crew, said Newsom. According to the company’s website, the vessel is manned by 1,150 crew.
The Grand Princess belongs to Princess Cruises, the same company which operated the coronavirus-stricken ship held off Japan last month on which more than 700 people on board tested positive.
At least six people who were hospitalised after being taken off the Diamond Princess have died.
