A Cruise ship coming from St. Martin where there’re three confirmed cases of the new coronavirus, COVID-19, has been granted preliminary docking in Jamaica.
The vessel was also previously denied access to the Dominican Republic due to fears associated with COVID-19.
The MS Braemar arrived in Jamaica at about 6:00 this morning.
Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton at about 10:20 this morning said assessments on board by Jamaican clinicians was underway.
But at 10:08 the Port Authority of Jamaica, PAJ, says the MS Braemar was allowed to dock.
In a statement from the PAJ, it says the cruise line has adhered to and complied with all the Ministry of Health’s protocols and approvals.
It also says the vessel has been fully compliant with the Ministry’s guidelines.
Dr. Tufton says he wasn’t yet aware of the statement.
He says he was only aware of the information given to him by the Health personnel on board.
The MS Braemar has on board over 544 new passengers who boarded the ship in St. Martin.
That has sparked concerns.
But Dr. Tufton says he trusts that the local clinicians are being rigid in their assessments.
Meanwhile, the Minister says the cruise liner did express disappointment with the local authorities’ rigid assessment protocols.
Dr. Tufton says they’ll be maintaining their protocols despite a push back from any tourism interest.
[Cart No: <Carts>Christopher Tufton maintaining protocols March 4, 2020.mp3Time: 43sOut-cue: ]
Dr. Christopher Tufton, Health and Wellness Minister speaking on Cliff Hughes online.
