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Canada has repatriated its citizens who were on the Princess Cruises’ Coral Princess cruise ship docked in Miami, Florida, US.
The Canadian nationals could go back home after undergoing health screening.
The passengers on the ship started disembarking on 4 April. However, due to a policy issued by the US, passengers cannot travel via commercial flights and shared transportation with other guests who were not on the cruise.
Due to the rule, passengers from other countries, including Canada, stayed onboard until a repatriation plan, adhering to the CDC requirements, was formulated.
Foreign Affairs Minister of Canada François-Philippe Champagne tweeted: “Update regarding Coral Princess: Canadians who are not symptomatic will be able to return to Canada tomorrow on an HALcruises charter, following health screening.
“Upon arrival, they will be screened again and subject to a mandatory 14-day self-isolation.”
Princess Cruises said that 545 passengers on the ship disembarked on 5 April and 139 disembarked on 6 April. Currently, 274 passengers are still on board.
Priority was given to those who departed to Canada and the residents of Florida.
Arrangements are being made for more domestic charter flights, which are expected to depart on today.
Additionally, passengers who required shoreside medical care were transferred and are undergoing treatment at a facility that was pre-arranged by the cruise line.
The ship was carrying at least 12 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and has reported three deaths.
Last week, Holland America Line’s two cruise ships, Zaandam and Rotterdam, received permission to dock in Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
