Baton Rouge, LA–A cruise ship disembarking in New Orleans Sunday has identified 10 COVID-19 cases among its crew members and passengers.
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, the Louisiana Department of Health, the City of New Orleans and the Port of New Orleans are aware of the cases and are working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to initiate existing COVID-19 agreements and protocols with the cruise line.
The Norwegian Breakaway departed from New Orleans on Nov. 28 and stopped in Belize, Honduras, and Mexico on its voyage. There are more than 3,200 individuals onboard.
The cruise line has been adhering to appropriate quarantine and isolation protocols as new cases and exposures have been identified aboard the vessel.
“We are testing all individuals on Norwegian Breakaway prior to disembarkation, as well as providing post-exposure and quarantine public health guidance by the (US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention). 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,” Norwegian Cruise Line said in a released statement.
Additionally, every individual aboard will be tested for COVID-19 prior to disembarking and will be provided post-exposure and quarantine public health guidance by the CDC. Those who test positive for COVID-19 will either (1) travel by personal vehicle directly to their personal residence or (2) self-isolate according to current CDC guidelines in accommodations provided by Norwegian Cruise Lines.
The Louisiana Department of Health, City of New Orleans and Port of New Orleans will continue to keep the public updated should new developments arise.