Cruise ship passenger in Western Australia dies from COVID-19

An Artania cruise ship passenger in his 60s, who was diagnosed with COVID-19, has died in a Perth hospital.

A foreign passenger from the Artania cruise ship has died in hospital from coronavirus.

A foreign passenger from the Artania cruise ship has died in hospital from coronavirus. Source: AAP

A foreign passenger from the Artania cruise ship has died in hospital from coronavirus, taking Western Australia's toll to three, while the total number of cases in the state has risen by 22.

The man, aged in his 60s, died at Joondalup Health Campus overnight.

He was among 49 passengers and crew from the German liner who have tested positive to COVID-19.
The cruise ship Artania is seen docked in Fremantle harbour.
The cruise ship Artania is seen docked in Fremantle harbour. Source: AAP
Nine of the new cases are crew from the Artania, while eight are from other cruise ships.

Seven were taken off the Artania, which remains docked in Fremantle, and brought to hospital on Friday, while at least 25 others are quarantining in a hotel.

Health Minister Roger Cook said remaining staff were being isolated in safe cabins and the vessel was undergoing a "deep clean".
The Australian Border Force is looking to arrange flights for more than 300 non-essential crew from the Philippines and Indonesia.

Fremantle Ports has the ship listed to depart at midday on April 14 but it could leave earlier.

About 850 Artania passengers flew back to Europe on Sunday.

No Australians were onboard.

WA will enforce a hard border closure from midnight on Sunday, which could leave some locals stranded interstate, although certain essential workers will be exempt.
Premier Mark McGowan reiterated WA's isolation was its best advantage.

"It gives us the best chance to limit infection rates here," he told reporters.

"We couldn't just sit on our hands and wait."

Mr McGowan again urged West Australians interstate to return home before the deadline.

He said those who had spent 14 days in hotel quarantine in other states would have to isolate for a further fortnight upon their return.

Mr McGowan said it was encouraging that less than one per cent of people who tried to cross intrastate borders were refused.

"This battle has just begun so it's important that all West Australians continue to follow the advice."

WA's total COVID-19 tally is 422, with 56 people in hospital, including 16 in intensive care.

The state's two other virus deaths were also linked to cruise ships.

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.

If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.

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3 min read
Published 3 April 2020 7:02pm
Updated 3 April 2020 7:39pm



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