DOH, WHO monitor 500 Filipinos on cruise ship with COVID-19 cases

Approximately 500 Filipinos are on the M/V Grand Princess cruise ship in California, where 21 passengers and crew have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Department of Health and WHO.

The Philippine Embassy in Washington DC is coordinating with Princess Cruises and other cruise lines in the US and Caribbean to monitor and ensure the safety of Filipino crew members.

Princess Cruises confirmed a small cluster of COVID-19 cases on the ship, with the US CDC investigating and onboard medical teams conducting testing.

The US Coast Guard will deliver testing kits to the ship, and samples will be sent to a lab in Richmond, California, while guests are not allowed to disembark until test results are received.

The Philippine Embassy issued health guidelines for Filipinos in the US, emphasizing hygiene practices and isolation when symptomatic.

As of March 5, 2020, 16 US states reported 152 confirmed and presumptive positive COVID-19 cases, including California with 51 cases and Washington with 44 cases.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed that there are around 530-540 Filipino crew members onboard the MV Grand Princess, similar to the number on the Diamond Princess.

The DFA stated that there are no confirmed Filipino passengers yet, only passengers and crew of unidentified nationalities who are exhibiting symptoms and being tested.

The MV Grand Princess previously carried the first person who died from COVID-19 in California, and dozens of passengers who were with the man are still on the ship.

Based on the latest update from Princess Cruises on March 4, fewer than 100 guests and crew are identified for testing, including all in-transit guests and those who experienced influenza-like illness symptoms.