518 Pinoys on cruise ship off California coast await tests | Global News

518 Pinoys on cruise ship off California coast await tests

, / 05:25 AM March 07, 2020

QUARANTINED The MV Grand Princess has been held off California’s coast since Wednesday, following reports of two previous passengers who had contracted the new coronavirus. —AFP

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Friday there are 518 Filipinos among the crew members of a cruise ship that has been quarantined in California’s coast, as its passengers and crew await testing for the new coronavirus.

In a message to reporters on Friday, Foreign Assistant Secretary Eduardo Meñez said: “We confirm that there are Filipino crew members onboard the MV Grand Princess. The most recent information puts the exact number of Filipino crew at 518. We do not have confirmations about Filipino passengers yet.”

Article continues after this advertisement

“As of the moment, there are passengers and crew of unidentified nationalities who are exhibiting symptoms and are being tested accordingly,” he added.

FEATURED STORIES

The ship has a total of 3,533 people on board—2,422 guests and 1,111 crew, according to the DFA.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention placed the ship on quarantine on Wednesday, following reports that two former passengers had contracted the virus.

Article continues after this advertisement

The MV Grand Princess traveled last month from San Francisco to Mexico and back.

New passengers were on board when the infections were reported. —WITH REPORTS FROM JEROME ANING AND CHRISTIA MARIE RAMOS

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

For more news about the novel coronavirus click here.
What you need to know about Coronavirus.
For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.

The Inquirer Foundation supports our healthcare frontliners and is still accepting cash donations to be deposited at Banco de Oro (BDO) current account #007960018860 or donate through PayMaya using this link.

TAGS: Coronavirus, COVID-19, Cruise Ship, DFA, Filipino crew, quarantine, test

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.