Local News UPDATE:
Port of Astoria waits for due diligence in Grand Princess coronavirus testing. Twenty-one people on ship now test positive, everyone on board to be tested.
by Joanne Rideout
The Port of Astoria says it is monitoring the situation with the Grand Princess cruise ship currently quarantined off San Francisco. The same ship is scheduled to call on the Port of Astoria March 31.
The port’s cruise ship marketer, Bruce Connor, said the port is waiting for “due diligence” in the testing of people for the Coronavirus, COVID-19, on board the Grand Princess.
As of late Friday afternoon, news outlets were reporting that 21 people on the cruise ship had tested positive for the coronavirus and, that as a result, everyone on board will now be tested.
Connor said he has been in touch with the Port of San Francisco, the Centers for Disease Control, (CDC) and the Coast Guard. He said the Port of Astoria has over 20 days before the ship is slated to arrive. “We have time to monitor and be calm about it,” he said.
This afternoon (Friday), the Port of Astoria sent out this press release (below). Coast Community Radio will keep you posted as the story develops.
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RE: CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) INFORMATION
Public safety is our top priority.
The Port of Astoria is currently working with federal, county and city partners to address COVID-19 concerns and to prepare for any eventualities that may arise as a result of identified cases. We are coordinating with the US Coast Guard (USCG), US Customs & Border Protection, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), cruise lines, and local partners to address COVID-19.
Cruise ships visiting the Port of Astoria in the spring of 2020 arrive exclusively from domestic locations and no vessels come directly from impacted areas. The Port’s 2020 Cruise Ship Schedule reflects all cruise ships calling on the Port of Astoria for the year.
The Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) has implemented preventative measures for all cruise lines to limit potential exposure. Visit the CLIA website for more information about how cruise lines are addressing passenger and crew safety.
The USCG has also issued a Marine Safety Information Bulletin with guidance on reporting symptomatic passengers or crew. The USCG reviews passenger manifests to document the travel history of vessel passengers and crew. If the USCG determines that a person has traveled to China within the last 14 days, they are subject to protocols including mandatory quarantine by the federal government.
The Clatsop County Public Health website has updated public safety information related to COVID-19.
The Port of Astoria will provide periodic updates as needed, which will be available on the Port’s website.