Virus-hit cruise ship arrives in Manila

A cruise ship, where infections of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were reported, arrived in the Philippines on Thursday, bringing more than 200 Filipino seafarers, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.

The MV Ruby Princess, which became the subject of an investigation in Australia because of reported COVID-19 infections in the vessel, docked on Manila Bay at around 8 a.m., according to the PCG.

It joined other cruise ships that would be subjected to on-board testing for COVID-19 before any Filipino crew member can disembark.

According to the PCG, the 214 crew members aboard the MV Ruby Princess are scheduled to undergo testing for COVID-19, like the Filipino seafarers aboard 13 other cruise ships at the anchorage area.

If a seafarer’s test turns out negative, he or she will be issued a quarantine clearance and provided transportation to his or her home province or city, the PCG said.

If the test turns out positive, he or she will be ferried to the nearest COVID-19 referral hospital for immediate medical assistance.
On Wednesday, 1,912 Filipino crew members aboard seven ships underwent testing for the coronavirus.