17 Filipino crew members on ship test positive for COVID-19

Seventeen Filipino crew members on the cargo ship Patricia Oldendorff, which arrived off Port Hedland, Australia, have tested positive for COVID-19.

The Department of Health Western Australia (WA) confirmed that eight additional cases were transferred to a hotel for medical attention.

Of the 20 Filipino crew members and the captain, seven remain on the vessel as an essential crew, while 10 are in hotel quarantine.

The four remaining crew members have tested negative for the virus.

The shipping company, Oldendorff Carriers, stated that a crew change was conducted in the Philippines on September 5, in compliance with the Department of Transportation's protocols.

All crew members were quarantined and tested prior to boarding the vessel.

The infected crew members are reportedly in good spirits and have access to culturally appropriate food.