A Norwegian Cruise Line with at least ten passengers and crew who tested positive for the coronavirus has docked in New Orleans, and officials are trying to disembark passengers without adding to the possibility of causing a superspreader outbreak, the Associated Press reports.
Sailing out of New Orleans, the Norwegian Breakaway left the port November 28th for a week-long cruise with stops in Belize, Honduras and Mexico. “We are testing all individuals on Norwegian Breakaway prior to disembarkation, as well as providing post-exposure and quarantine public health guidance by the (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention),” the company’s statement said. “Any guests who have tested positive for COVID-19 will travel by personal vehicle to their personal residence or self-isolate in accommodations provided by the company.”
Some passengers report that they were informed of the outbreak on the ship, which can carry nearly 2,500 passengers and more than 1,600 crew. Other reported they did not learn about the infections until told by reporters in New Orleans.