Luxury Cruise Ends in Quarantine as Fear of Coronavirus Looms

Tags: Currents CDC, Coronavirus, Crux, Health, Media, National News, New Jersey, New York, World News

By Emily Drooby

The coronavirus crisis is hitting home: a cruise ship docked in New Jersey Feb. 7, where more than two dozen Chinese nationals on board were screened for the deadly disease.

Twenty seven passengers aboard the Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas had recently traveled to China were screened by the Center for Disease Control for the coronavirus. 

The results prompted four aboard the ship to be rushed to a local hospital, while people were quarantined onboard due to the coronavirus concerns.

People boarded buses to get away from the affected ship, many unsure of what had happened aboard.

But for others, what happened was a nightmare. 

The rapid response just the latest indication that the CDC isn’t taking any chances when it comes to the disease, which has already killed 560 people and infected more than 28 thousand others. 

In a statement, Royal Caribbean said none of the four passengers brought to the hospital showed any clinical signs and symptoms of the virus. They added how the guests hadn’t been in China since January 26.

Still, they’re taking precautions, and people who were supposed to board the ship for its Feb. 7  departure said they understand. 

“I feel disappointed but I also understand that fact that if the coronavirus is on board or someone has the coronavirus, we don’t all want to get it,” said cruise-goer Shaun Hunsley from London, England, 

Royal Caribbean delayed the ship’s departure from Feb. 7 to Feb. 8, even though authorities have already cleared it.