Last Updated on February 28, 2020, 2:51 AM AST by Anthony Morris
The Barbadian health authorities are preparing to conduct tests for coronavirus on a 48-year-old crew member on board the cruise liner named Carnival Fascination which has docked just off the island.
Thirty-seven Barbadians are also onboard the cruise liner, which was scheduled to head to St Lucia this morning.
Along with these Barbadians, there are 140 others who will arrive here to make a connecting flight to the United Kingdom.
Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados talked to the media this morning and had a press conference.
He said that there is a scurrilous rumour being spread that suggests that the Carnival Fascination cruise ship is carrying over 170 passengers who are sick and that he wants to say that and let all Barbadians know clearly that the rumour is not true.
The Prime Minister further told the journalists that one of the crew members and two of the passengers had been tested onboard for flu-like symptoms earlier this week.
Two of them had tested positive for Influenza A although the third person by yesterday had stopped showing any of the symptoms.
As a result of that, the medical personnel on board the vessel are now reasonably comfortable that there is nothing to worry about.
Prime Minister Mottley said that the Government had decided to have the crew member tested here and the local health officials will be thoroughly inspecting the ship.
She explained that St Lucia could not test for the coronavirus and also stressed that the Government must protect the Barbadian citizens on board.
She further said that the Barbadian Government is ensuring that the ship can come into the harbour. She said that discussions have already been held with the General Secretary of the Barbados Workers Union, port authorities, and medical authorities regarding the arrangements.
It is noteworthy that a 48-year-old crew member will be tested for Coronavirus COVID-19
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
