Darwin Port Employees Quarantined due to COVID-19
A crew member onboard the livestock carrier Diamantina tested positive for the coronavirus.
The Maritime Executive reports about port workers in Darwin, Australia put in quarantine after a crew member onboard an incoming ship from Indonesia tested positive for COVID-19.
Diamantina, a 2,960 DWT livestock carrier, had arrived in Darwin on the evening of December 27 to load cattle meant for export.
Upon testing positive, the crew member was taken to a shoreside hospital.
While no direct contact with Darwin residents has been affirmed, Natasha Fyles, Health Minister stressed on taking necessary precautions to avoid any risks. This includes placing the entire crew into compulsory 14-day quarantine. While most crew members have been moved onshore, a small number remains onboard to self-quarantine till further tests are carried out.
As an additional safety measure, port employees have been placed in self-isolation, notwithstanding the PPE they were wearing while on duty.
Australia’s Northern Territory has reported just 75 cases of the novel coronavirus. Yet, these precautionary measures are considered essential to avoid any further spread.
