COVID-19: 28 cases confirmed on cruise ship Preziosa in Rio

A t epidemiological investigation by Rio de Janeiro’s municipal and state health secretariats and Brazil’s national drug regulator Anvisa found 28 cases of COVID-19 aboard cruise ship MSC Preziosa this morning (Jan. 2).

All symptomatic cases and their close s were tested. All were said to have been isolated in a dedicated sector of the vessel, displaying light symptoms and good clinical progress. Samples were collected for genome sequencing.

The secretariat reported that a safe vehicle will be sent by the company in charge of the ship to take the engers who tested positive. Those who live in Rio de Janeiro or nearby may continue in isolation in their homes. Those living far from the city will be isolated in hotels.

Quarantine

The engers who were not in with the positive cases will be allowed to disembark. However, Rio authorities advised they must be quarantined for 14 days and step up protection measures. Should they develop flu-like symptoms, they are advised to seek care in a health station.

All sanitary, prevention, and control measures were observed by the health authorities as well as Anvisa officials. Rio de Janeiro’s Health Secretariat is tasked with the surveillance of all cruise ships docking in the city, the statement says.

The COVID-19 vaccination schedule will be resumed on Monday (3), with the booster dose istered to people aged 55 years and older.