Australia calms fears as cruise ship with 800 Covid-positive passengers docks in Sydney

As far as tackling the coronavirus is concerned, the UAE is doing a fine job. The number of cases has declined considerably, so much so that restrictions were lifted entirely a few days ago.

However, some countries are still battling the pandemic. According to a report earlier this month, a “variant coup” of the disease landed in Victoria, Australia.

Now, in a new development, a cruise ship with about 800 Covid-positive passengers docked in Sydney. The risk level however was raised to "Tier 3", signalling a high level of transmission.

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But there was no need to panic, according to the government.

Australia's Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil on Saturday sought to reassure the people that COVID-19 protocols were adequate, according to Reuters.

The infected passengers had been isolated onboard and were being cared for by medical staff, according to New South Wales Health. The agency said it was working with cruise ship staff to monitor the health of passengers and crew members.

The outbreak comes as Covid cases rise across Australia. A couple of new variants — BQ.1 and XBB — have led to a spiral in new infections.

Two years ago, there was an outbreak aboard another cruise liner, the Ruby Princess. There were 914 infections and 28 deaths after that.

Reuters