The Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed that there are more than 500 Filipinos onboard the MV Grand Princess, a closely monitored Cruise ship due to the presence of two passengers positive with COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019), in California.
Based on a report, the ship was set to sail in Hawaii for 15 days but was stopped near the San Francisco coastline with the death of a passenger due to COVID-19. There are 2, 383 passengers and 1,109 crew members. Magsaysay Maritime Corporation says 523 of the crew are Filipinos.
Thirty-five of the passengers are seen to acquire symptoms of COVID-19. However, a report says majority are feeling better.
The passengers and crew members of the cruise ship are currently quarantined inside the MV Grand Princess in San Francisco, California. It is expected that the test samples will arrive before the week ends.
DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III perceives that it is better to bring the crew members to another quarantine facility to avoid the spread of the virus. He also reminds the Filipinos to follow the advice of health agencies in preventing COVID-19. – Report from Mark Fetalco
