Over 500 Filipinos on US-bound cruise ship held off coast due to COVID-19

Over 500 Filipino crew members are onboard the MV Grand Princess cruise ship being held off the coast of California due to concerns over COVID-19.

The DFA confirmed there are around 530-540 Filipinos out of a total of 1,111 crew members on board.

Reports indicate that one passenger died from COVID-19 in California and dozens more who were with the deceased are still on the ship.

According to Reuters data, 21 individuals onboard have symptoms of the virus, though it is unclear if any Filipinos are among them.

The Magsaysay Maritime Corporation confirmed there are 523 Filipinos aboard the Grand Princess which is being monitored by the CDC.