By Bronson Jayamanna
Singapore (C.W.B.N.)_ The Quantum of the Seas has returned to the passenger port of Singapore, a day earlier, cutting short from the original four-day voyage, due to a COVID-19 patient being found on board. The 83-year-old passenger who was found to be positive had initially tested negative before boarding the cruise ship.
Speaking to the Associated Press, Singapore Tourism Board director of cruises Annie Chang said: “The passenger was immediately isolated, and his initial close contacts were identified and isolated,”. “They are being given regular updates, and meals are provided directly to their rooms.”
Chang went on to say “The well-being and safety of our local community, as well as passengers and crew, remain a top priority,”.
Due to the discovery of the positive case onboard, all recreational activities on the cruise ship were promptly halted, and all passengers and members of the crew were required to stay in their cabin until contact tracing was completed. According to Chang, everyone onboard the ship will undergo mandatory COVID-19 testing before departing from the terminal. During the time of the incident, the ship was carrying 1680 guests and 1148 crew members.
A spokesperson from the operator of the ship, Royal Caribbean International, stressed that the company has been working the government of Singapore to develop and implement a comprehensive testing and monitoring program. Singapore additionally launched a “safe sailing” programme which aims to allow cruise ships to make round trips without making stops at any other ports in between.
