Covid-19 Outbreak Reported On Us Cruise Ship
The coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan, China, has now spread across the world, causing panic and fear among people. The United States has reported its first case of Covid-19 on a cruise ship. The Grand Princess, operated by Princess Cruises, was on its way back from Hawaii when it was notified that 21 people onboard had tested positive for the virus. There were 2,500 passengers and 1,000 crew members onboard the ship.
What Happened On the Grand Princess Cruise Ship?
The Grand Princess cruise ship left San Francisco on February 11, 2020, for a two-week cruise to Hawaii. During the trip, a 71-year-old man who had been on the previous cruise to Mexico fell ill and later died from Covid-19. As a result, the ship was scheduled to return to San Francisco on February 21 but was kept at sea as authorities tested passengers and crew for the virus.
On March 4, the ship was finally granted permission to dock in Oakland, California. Passengers who required medical attention were taken off the ship first, while others were allowed to disembark over the next couple of days. The crew members were quarantined onboard the ship. The passengers were taken to military bases or hotels for a 14-day quarantine period.
What Precautions Were Taken On the Ship?
Princess Cruises had taken many precautions to prevent the spread of the virus on the ship. Passengers were screened before boarding the ship, and anyone who had recently traveled to China or had symptoms of fever, cough, or difficulty breathing was not allowed to board the ship. Hand sanitizer stations were placed throughout the ship, and passengers were encouraged to wash their hands frequently. The ship was thoroughly cleaned and disinfected every day.
Despite these measures, the virus still managed to spread on the ship. It is believed that the virus was transmitted by a passenger who had left the ship during the previous voyage to Mexico and then tested positive for the virus.
What Happened To the Passengers and Crew Members?
The passengers and crew members who had tested positive for the virus were taken to hospitals onshore for treatment. Those who tested negative were taken to military bases or hotels for a 14-day quarantine period. The crew members were quarantined onboard the ship, and they were not allowed to disembark until they had been tested and cleared of the virus.
The passengers and crew members who were quarantined were given food, water, and medical care. They were also provided with entertainment to keep them occupied during their quarantine period. The quarantine period was necessary to prevent the spread of the virus to others.
Conclusion
The Covid-19 outbreak has now spread to more than 100 countries, infecting millions of people worldwide. The outbreak on the Grand Princess Cruise Ship shows how easily the virus can spread, even with many precautions in place. It is important for everyone to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, such as washing hands frequently, practicing social distancing, and wearing masks in public places.
