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Passengers Fell Ill With Coronavirus. And the Ship Sailed On. Passengers Fell Ill With Coronavirus. And the Ship Sailed On.
(8 days later)
Travel and travel planning are being disrupted by the worldwide spread of the coronavirus. For the latest updates, read The New York Times’s Covid-19 coverage here.Travel and travel planning are being disrupted by the worldwide spread of the coronavirus. For the latest updates, read The New York Times’s Covid-19 coverage here.
A waiter in the crowded cruise ship passageway approached the isolated passenger with a tray of food, two glasses of juice, plastic gloves on his hands — and a white table napkin across his face.A waiter in the crowded cruise ship passageway approached the isolated passenger with a tray of food, two glasses of juice, plastic gloves on his hands — and a white table napkin across his face.
The napkin, tied over his mouth like a bandanna on a bank robber in an old western, was presumably supposed to protect the crew member aboard the Costa Luminosa from the spread of the coronavirus, which had already sickened three passengers. This was on Sunday, March 15, the first day that the crew began wearing gloves and shields over their mouths.The napkin, tied over his mouth like a bandanna on a bank robber in an old western, was presumably supposed to protect the crew member aboard the Costa Luminosa from the spread of the coronavirus, which had already sickened three passengers. This was on Sunday, March 15, the first day that the crew began wearing gloves and shields over their mouths.
A picture snapped by a passenger and circulating on social media encapsulated the missteps by a cruise company that seemed to be improvising its coronavirus response, even after the high-profile disasters that left hundreds sickened on two other ships, the Diamond Princess and the Grand Princess, owned by its corporate parent, Carnival Cruises.A picture snapped by a passenger and circulating on social media encapsulated the missteps by a cruise company that seemed to be improvising its coronavirus response, even after the high-profile disasters that left hundreds sickened on two other ships, the Diamond Princess and the Grand Princess, owned by its corporate parent, Carnival Cruises.
“We kept saying, ‘They’ll do better. They’ll see what happened on the Diamond and the Grand, and they’ll do better for us.’ But what they did was way worse — and they lied as well,” said Kelea M. Edgar Nevis, 57, of Arizona, who was on the ship with her 80-year-old husband. “It was ridiculous.”“We kept saying, ‘They’ll do better. They’ll see what happened on the Diamond and the Grand, and they’ll do better for us.’ But what they did was way worse — and they lied as well,” said Kelea M. Edgar Nevis, 57, of Arizona, who was on the ship with her 80-year-old husband. “It was ridiculous.”
A week passed between the time the first passenger in whom coronavirus was suspected, an Italian woman, took ill and the moment that Costa Cruises instituted sanitary protocols, which included isolating everyone in their cabins, taking their temperatures daily and making employees wear protective gear. Another passenger who later tested positive for the coronavirus had been taken off the ship a week before her for other health reasons.A week passed between the time the first passenger in whom coronavirus was suspected, an Italian woman, took ill and the moment that Costa Cruises instituted sanitary protocols, which included isolating everyone in their cabins, taking their temperatures daily and making employees wear protective gear. Another passenger who later tested positive for the coronavirus had been taken off the ship a week before her for other health reasons.
As the Costa Luminosa was heading across the Atlantic with more people getting sick, another Carnival ship, the Grand Princess, finally docked in Oakland, Calif., with 21 infected passengers on board after being stranded for days.As the Costa Luminosa was heading across the Atlantic with more people getting sick, another Carnival ship, the Grand Princess, finally docked in Oakland, Calif., with 21 infected passengers on board after being stranded for days.
Citing ship logs, the Miami Herald reported on Wednesday that at least 24 crew members and 50 passengers on the Costa Luminosa were classified as sick. On Thursday, Carnival said that only seven people, including two crew members, were showing symptoms, and that the logs included people who were close contacts of the sick.Citing ship logs, the Miami Herald reported on Wednesday that at least 24 crew members and 50 passengers on the Costa Luminosa were classified as sick. On Thursday, Carnival said that only seven people, including two crew members, were showing symptoms, and that the logs included people who were close contacts of the sick.
The ship is now docked in Marseille, France, and French health authorities have boarded to conduct health checks. Americans on board have been told that a chartered plane will take them to Atlanta. Various government agencies are involved in figuring out what to do with them next, and some U.S. states may allow them to isolate at home, as some people who sailed on the Grand Princess did, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.The ship is now docked in Marseille, France, and French health authorities have boarded to conduct health checks. Americans on board have been told that a chartered plane will take them to Atlanta. Various government agencies are involved in figuring out what to do with them next, and some U.S. states may allow them to isolate at home, as some people who sailed on the Grand Princess did, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
When cruise lines decided to suspend U.S. sailings last week 40 ships carrying tens of thousands of passengers were in the middle of their voyages. On at least three of them, passengers got Covid-19 while cruise ship companies, port officials, governments and international health organizations scrambled to determine whose rules applied. Thousands of people were at sea, sometimes confined to tiny cabins, but also enjoying the bar, serving themselves from the buffet and enjoying festivities while more people contracted the disease and the ship captains tried to figure out what to do.When cruise lines decided to suspend U.S. sailings last week 40 ships carrying tens of thousands of passengers were in the middle of their voyages. On at least three of them, passengers got Covid-19 while cruise ship companies, port officials, governments and international health organizations scrambled to determine whose rules applied. Thousands of people were at sea, sometimes confined to tiny cabins, but also enjoying the bar, serving themselves from the buffet and enjoying festivities while more people contracted the disease and the ship captains tried to figure out what to do.
The Braemar, a ship operated by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, was denied entry by four countries when a guest, four crew members and two passengers who had been on the ship tested positive. Cuba opened its port to them, and about 700 mostly British passengers took chartered flights home to England on Wednesday. Also Wednesday, nearly 100 passengers who had been in quarantine — with six infected passengers aboard the Silver Explorer cruise off the coast of Chile — were flown out of that country on charter flights, according to Chilean officials.The Braemar, a ship operated by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, was denied entry by four countries when a guest, four crew members and two passengers who had been on the ship tested positive. Cuba opened its port to them, and about 700 mostly British passengers took chartered flights home to England on Wednesday. Also Wednesday, nearly 100 passengers who had been in quarantine — with six infected passengers aboard the Silver Explorer cruise off the coast of Chile — were flown out of that country on charter flights, according to Chilean officials.
Meanwhile, passengers aboard the Silver Shadow were close to completing a week in quarantine in the port of Recife in northern Brazil over coronavirus fears that are so far unfounded. Both the Silver Explorer and Silver Shadow are operated by Silversea Cruises, which is owned by Royal Caribbean.Meanwhile, passengers aboard the Silver Shadow were close to completing a week in quarantine in the port of Recife in northern Brazil over coronavirus fears that are so far unfounded. Both the Silver Explorer and Silver Shadow are operated by Silversea Cruises, which is owned by Royal Caribbean.
The Costa Luminosa, a 965-foot-long ship built in 2009, is owned by the Crociere Group, Italy’s biggest tour operator. Headquartered in Genoa, the company has 27 ships in service that offer trips from the Mediterranean to South America.The Costa Luminosa, a 965-foot-long ship built in 2009, is owned by the Crociere Group, Italy’s biggest tour operator. Headquartered in Genoa, the company has 27 ships in service that offer trips from the Mediterranean to South America.
The company, which is part of the Carnival Corp., came under fire in 2012, when its Costa Concordia ran aground off Tuscany, killing 32 people. The captain was sentenced to 15 years for manslaughter.The company, which is part of the Carnival Corp., came under fire in 2012, when its Costa Concordia ran aground off Tuscany, killing 32 people. The captain was sentenced to 15 years for manslaughter.
The Costa Luminosa first left Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for a cruise around the Caribbean on Feb. 24. But the coronavirus was raging in Italy, and Jamaica did not let the Italians disembark as scheduled on Feb. 28. The next day, one of the ship’s passengers, a 68-year-old Italian man, was evacuated on Grand Cayman Island after having two heart attacks.The Costa Luminosa first left Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for a cruise around the Caribbean on Feb. 24. But the coronavirus was raging in Italy, and Jamaica did not let the Italians disembark as scheduled on Feb. 28. The next day, one of the ship’s passengers, a 68-year-old Italian man, was evacuated on Grand Cayman Island after having two heart attacks.
The ship returned to Fort Lauderdale to drop some passengers off and pick more up. Destination: Venice. It was to be a grand affair with stops in Antigua, Puerto Rico, Málaga, Spain, the Canary Islands and Marseille.The ship returned to Fort Lauderdale to drop some passengers off and pick more up. Destination: Venice. It was to be a grand affair with stops in Antigua, Puerto Rico, Málaga, Spain, the Canary Islands and Marseille.
“We had planned a bucket list trip — 30-night cruise and 30 around Europe, as my husband had spent 40 nights in the hospital back in October and November,” Mrs. Nevis, who was on the ship with her 80-year-old husband, said in an email.“We had planned a bucket list trip — 30-night cruise and 30 around Europe, as my husband had spent 40 nights in the hospital back in October and November,” Mrs. Nevis, who was on the ship with her 80-year-old husband, said in an email.
Kelly D. Edge, 60, a former HGTV decorator who lives in Miami, booked the cruise at the last minute with her husband, Woody Edge, 65. Rates on the Costa Cruises itinerary were already so appealing — starting at $350 a person for a windowless cabin — that the couple booked a suite for $1,250 a person. After the epidemic, Ms. Edge wanted her money back, but the company wasn’t giving refunds. She packed a roll of paper towels and disinfectant wipes.Kelly D. Edge, 60, a former HGTV decorator who lives in Miami, booked the cruise at the last minute with her husband, Woody Edge, 65. Rates on the Costa Cruises itinerary were already so appealing — starting at $350 a person for a windowless cabin — that the couple booked a suite for $1,250 a person. After the epidemic, Ms. Edge wanted her money back, but the company wasn’t giving refunds. She packed a roll of paper towels and disinfectant wipes.
When they arrived for their sailing on March 5, Costa sent them an email saying that the United States wouldn’t let the ship go to Italy, so their final destination would be Marseille, instead. They got a $500 shipboard credit.When they arrived for their sailing on March 5, Costa sent them an email saying that the United States wouldn’t let the ship go to Italy, so their final destination would be Marseille, instead. They got a $500 shipboard credit.
“So we committed and went on,” Ms. Edge said. “So we felt manipulated from the beginning.”“So we committed and went on,” Ms. Edge said. “So we felt manipulated from the beginning.”
The ship was only half full.The ship was only half full.
By March 7, two days after the ship left Fort Lauderdale, a 68-year-old Italian woman who had already gone to the ship’s doctor for a headache returned to the doctor with “worsening respiratory conditions,” a Costa spokeswoman, Rossella Carrara, said. (An earlier communiqué from the company said she had cold symptoms.)By March 7, two days after the ship left Fort Lauderdale, a 68-year-old Italian woman who had already gone to the ship’s doctor for a headache returned to the doctor with “worsening respiratory conditions,” a Costa spokeswoman, Rossella Carrara, said. (An earlier communiqué from the company said she had cold symptoms.)
She was evacuated in Puerto Rico on March 8, while the more than 1,400 passengers, including 168 Italians and 233 Americans, spilled out to the streets of Old San Juan to enjoy a day of leisure.She was evacuated in Puerto Rico on March 8, while the more than 1,400 passengers, including 168 Italians and 233 Americans, spilled out to the streets of Old San Juan to enjoy a day of leisure.
Her close contacts were isolated, Ms. Carrara, a company vice president and spokeswoman, stressed.Her close contacts were isolated, Ms. Carrara, a company vice president and spokeswoman, stressed.
The protocol was strict and the reaction swift, Costa Cruises said. “We underline that the patient had already been placed in isolation on board,” the company said in a statement.The protocol was strict and the reaction swift, Costa Cruises said. “We underline that the patient had already been placed in isolation on board,” the company said in a statement.
The next day, Antigua refused the ship entry, and the man who had the heart attacks in the Cayman Islands and had stayed behind in the hospital there started to develop a dry cough, so the doctors there tested him for the coronavirus.The next day, Antigua refused the ship entry, and the man who had the heart attacks in the Cayman Islands and had stayed behind in the hospital there started to develop a dry cough, so the doctors there tested him for the coronavirus.
By then, the Costa Luminosa’s sailing had turned into a trans-Atlantic cruise to nowhere, with Antigua and Spain turning the vessel away, while the employees in charge minimized the situation on board and gave passengers misleading information. The gym stayed open and the Ping-Pong contests continued.By then, the Costa Luminosa’s sailing had turned into a trans-Atlantic cruise to nowhere, with Antigua and Spain turning the vessel away, while the employees in charge minimized the situation on board and gave passengers misleading information. The gym stayed open and the Ping-Pong contests continued.
On March 11, the cruise stopped group activities like lounge and pool parties.On March 11, the cruise stopped group activities like lounge and pool parties.
Ms. Edge, who had taken advantage of the cheap cruise, was feeling worried. “If we make it the next 6 days to Tenerife with no illness, my attitude will most likely change,” she wrote in an email. “But now it feels scary. Real or imagined.”Ms. Edge, who had taken advantage of the cheap cruise, was feeling worried. “If we make it the next 6 days to Tenerife with no illness, my attitude will most likely change,” she wrote in an email. “But now it feels scary. Real or imagined.”
On March 12, three days after the Cayman Islands patient’s coronavirus test was taken, it came back positive for Covid-19.On March 12, three days after the Cayman Islands patient’s coronavirus test was taken, it came back positive for Covid-19.
It is unclear if the cruise line was ever notified, The casino, piano bar, pool, karaoke and gym stayed open, passengers said. The bands kept playing.It is unclear if the cruise line was ever notified, The casino, piano bar, pool, karaoke and gym stayed open, passengers said. The bands kept playing.
“The bar stools were cheek to cheek,” Mrs. Nevis said.“The bar stools were cheek to cheek,” Mrs. Nevis said.
A day later, at about 9 p.m. on Friday, March 13 — five days after the sick woman was evacuated during the ship’s Puerto Rico stop — the governor of Puerto Rico gave a news conference announcing that the woman had tested positive. So had her husband. The news swept through the ship as passengers read about it on social media and news reports. But Costa Cruises took no further significant action, though serving utensils were taken away from the buffet, passengers said.A day later, at about 9 p.m. on Friday, March 13 — five days after the sick woman was evacuated during the ship’s Puerto Rico stop — the governor of Puerto Rico gave a news conference announcing that the woman had tested positive. So had her husband. The news swept through the ship as passengers read about it on social media and news reports. But Costa Cruises took no further significant action, though serving utensils were taken away from the buffet, passengers said.
At 2:15 p.m. the following afternoon, the cruise company told The New York Times that it still had not received official word from local health authorities. “However, we are aware that unofficial information is circulating on the alleged positivity of the 68 years old lady of Italian nationality who has been hospitalized in Puerto Rico on March 8,” the company said in an email.At 2:15 p.m. the following afternoon, the cruise company told The New York Times that it still had not received official word from local health authorities. “However, we are aware that unofficial information is circulating on the alleged positivity of the 68 years old lady of Italian nationality who has been hospitalized in Puerto Rico on March 8,” the company said in an email.
Updated June 24, 2020 Updated June 30, 2020
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
“I did show our waiter in the restaurant the tweet about the positive test, and it was definitely the first he’d heard about the results, so the crew is also kept in the dark as far as I can tell,” said Morgan Battisti, a 51-year-old retiree from Oregon who was on board.“I did show our waiter in the restaurant the tweet about the positive test, and it was definitely the first he’d heard about the results, so the crew is also kept in the dark as far as I can tell,” said Morgan Battisti, a 51-year-old retiree from Oregon who was on board.
Asked about the Costa Luminosa on Saturday, Carnival’s chief medical officer, Grant Tarling, said: “What ship?”Asked about the Costa Luminosa on Saturday, Carnival’s chief medical officer, Grant Tarling, said: “What ship?”
The Costa Luminosa was being handled in Europe, he said.The Costa Luminosa was being handled in Europe, he said.
Passengers were not allowed to disembark in the Canary Islands that day. However, three sick passengers, two with respiratory problems and one with a fever, were evacuated. The remaining passengers took photos of the ambulances and the men in hazardous materials suits outside.Passengers were not allowed to disembark in the Canary Islands that day. However, three sick passengers, two with respiratory problems and one with a fever, were evacuated. The remaining passengers took photos of the ambulances and the men in hazardous materials suits outside.
Hours later that same night, even worse news came. The man who had the heart attacks in the Cayman Islands had died of the coronavirus.Hours later that same night, even worse news came. The man who had the heart attacks in the Cayman Islands had died of the coronavirus.
Late on March 15, the company instituted the established protocol for an outbreak on board.Late on March 15, the company instituted the established protocol for an outbreak on board.
People were to have their temperatures taken every day, and all 1,421 passengers were isolated to their rooms. Food was delivered to the cabins. The crew started wearing masks and gloves, and eventually even gowns over their clothes.People were to have their temperatures taken every day, and all 1,421 passengers were isolated to their rooms. Food was delivered to the cabins. The crew started wearing masks and gloves, and eventually even gowns over their clothes.
People with inside rooms were moved to cabins with balconies.People with inside rooms were moved to cabins with balconies.
“The organization of all of this, of course, required some time, as you can imagine,” Ms. Carrara, the company spokeswoman, said.“The organization of all of this, of course, required some time, as you can imagine,” Ms. Carrara, the company spokeswoman, said.
She stressed that the company had introduced “rigid preboarding screening,” which included temperature checks for everyone and restrictions for people coming from hard-hit areas.She stressed that the company had introduced “rigid preboarding screening,” which included temperature checks for everyone and restrictions for people coming from hard-hit areas.
She did not answer questions about whether the ship had been notified about the Cayman Islands man’s illness, or why the cruise line waited for official notification from health authorities before instituting stricter health protocols.She did not answer questions about whether the ship had been notified about the Cayman Islands man’s illness, or why the cruise line waited for official notification from health authorities before instituting stricter health protocols.
“Every situation is unique, as you know, but there continues to be broad coordination, guidance and learning provided from medical and maritime at our sister brands and the corporation,” she said.“Every situation is unique, as you know, but there continues to be broad coordination, guidance and learning provided from medical and maritime at our sister brands and the corporation,” she said.
One of the notable issues that the ship faced was the lack of clarity about who was in charge of the official notifications that would trigger ship protocols. World Health Organization protocols, for example, call for passengers who test positive and their close contacts to disembark and not be allowed to travel internationally. Social distancing is encouraged, such as eliminating the buffet. But what happens when the test results take days?One of the notable issues that the ship faced was the lack of clarity about who was in charge of the official notifications that would trigger ship protocols. World Health Organization protocols, for example, call for passengers who test positive and their close contacts to disembark and not be allowed to travel internationally. Social distancing is encouraged, such as eliminating the buffet. But what happens when the test results take days?
“One of the questions I heard was ‘Who has authority over us?’ It’s a good question,” Ms. Battista said. “Costa? Italy? The U.S., or your home country? When you’re out in international waters rather than on home soil, the answers get murky.”“One of the questions I heard was ‘Who has authority over us?’ It’s a good question,” Ms. Battista said. “Costa? Italy? The U.S., or your home country? When you’re out in international waters rather than on home soil, the answers get murky.”
Roger Frizzell, a senior vice president at Carnival, noted that 10 other ships across the company were “disrupted for testing and all ten were negative.”Roger Frizzell, a senior vice president at Carnival, noted that 10 other ships across the company were “disrupted for testing and all ten were negative.”
“Princess is documenting the entire account in both cases and will be sharing learnings with our other brands, the industry and others to help everyone better prepare and better combat the virus,” he wrote in an email.“Princess is documenting the entire account in both cases and will be sharing learnings with our other brands, the industry and others to help everyone better prepare and better combat the virus,” he wrote in an email.
Many passengers disembarked in Marseille on Thursday and were put on buses, with little information about how they were getting home. It is unclear whether they will be required to quarantine, and where. In exchange for the interruptions on the cruise, they were offered a $50 credit to spend on board for every port they were turned away from, and a refund credit to use for another voyage within the year.Many passengers disembarked in Marseille on Thursday and were put on buses, with little information about how they were getting home. It is unclear whether they will be required to quarantine, and where. In exchange for the interruptions on the cruise, they were offered a $50 credit to spend on board for every port they were turned away from, and a refund credit to use for another voyage within the year.
At a news conference on Thursday, President Trump suggested that Carnival cruise ships might be put into service as hospitals.At a news conference on Thursday, President Trump suggested that Carnival cruise ships might be put into service as hospitals.
Reporting was contributed by Aurelien Breeden in Paris; Ernesto Londoño in Rio de Janeiro; and Elaine Glusac in Chicago.Reporting was contributed by Aurelien Breeden in Paris; Ernesto Londoño in Rio de Janeiro; and Elaine Glusac in Chicago.
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