Health

German Cruise Ship Denied Entry Into St. Lucia Following Confirmation of Respiratory Tract Infections

ST. LUCIA (CMC) — St. Lucia on Saturday denied a cruise ship with more than 3,000 passengers on board entry in the Castries Harbor after health authorities confirmed that some passengers were experiencing respiratory tract infections. But the Department of Health & Wellness denied reports that there may have been cases of the deadly coronavirus (2019-nCoV) that has killed more than 200 people in China and which the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared a global health emergency. The vessel, the AIDAPERLA with close to 3,300 passengers was scheduled to dock at the Castries Harbor at about 8:00 am (local time). Built in 2017, it currently sails under the flag of Italy and its last port of call was in Kingstown, St Vincent. Health officials told reporters that several individuals on board the Aida Perla were presenting cases of “upper respiratory tract infections” and the vessel was turned away, “in accordance with the Health Declaration”. In a statement, The Department of Heal...