Grand Princess cruise passenger tests positive for COVID-19 while quarantined at CFB Trenton

A passenger on the Grand Princess cruise tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday morning.

The case was identified during the first screening and medical assessments when the passengers from the cruise ship arrived at the Canadian Forces Base in Trenton, Ontario, where they will complete a 14-day quarantine.

Only passengers who did not have symptoms of COVID-19 were allowed to board the chartered flight by the Government of Canada.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), when the passenger arrived in Trenton, they had a mild fever and a cough — a lab test confirmed the positive result.

The patient is now in self-isolation at the facility and regular follow-ups are being conducted.

“All infection prevention and control protocols were followed in processing the travellers returning from the Grand Princess. We are providing care and support to this case and all Canadians in quarantine,” the health agency said.

• See also:
  • 5 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Ontario, 465 under investigation
  • Canadians advised to avoid cruise ships amid coronavirus outbreak
  • Government charters plane to bring home Canadians aboard Grand Princess

The Grand Princess cruise ship, was docked off the coast of California after the coronavirus outbreak happened.

Several Canadians who were on the ship’s last cruise that ended on February 21 became sick with coronavirus after returning home, suggesting the virus has been present on board for several weeks.

PHAC said that cruise ship outbreaks of COVID-19 can occur because of the close contact between passengers. While the majority of affected passengers may experience mild symptoms, older people and people with a weakened immune system or underlying medical condition are at a higher risk of developing severe disease.

Because of the close contact and various demographics on cruise ships, Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam, asked all Canadians to reconsider any cruise ship travel, on Monday.

“I’ve asked Canadians twice to consider going on cruise ships, the public health agency of Canada is recommending that Canadians avoid all cruise ship travel due to COVID-19,” Tam said.

As of Wednesday morning, there were 93 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Canada.