Covid cruise ship to drops infected in Sydney

More than 100 of the 2850 passengers on board a cruise ship docking in Sydney have been infected with Covid-19.

The Celebrity Eclipse has just completed a trip to New Zealand.

A cruise ship with more than 100 Covid-19 positive passengers has docked in Sydney.

Hundreds of passengers on board the Celebrity Eclipse are believed to be carrying the virus.

Having just completed a trip to New Zealand, she was expected to dock in Sydney on Friday morning.

A cruise with Covid-infected passengers has just arrived in, Sydney this morning . Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Ben Symons

The New South Wales government has classified the ship as a ‘Tier 2’- meaning “there are quite a few cases on board (30-99 positive cases per 1,000 people) and/or the vessel’s staffing or resources are impacted. However, it can safely maintain critical services.”

But in a statement, Celebrity Eclipse says there are only about 4 per cent of people on board with Covid - meaning there would be more than 100 people infected on the ship that holds a maximum of 2850 people.

“The individuals are fully vaccinated, mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic and being monitored by our medical team,” the statement said.

“Celebrity Eclipse is sailing with fully vaccinated crew and guests and following a robust protocols plan developed with guidance from local authorities and other leading public health experts. The safety of our guests, crew and the communities we visit is always our top priority.”

The Majestic Princess, which docked on Thursday, has also been classed as a tier 2 ship.

Three Tier 1 ships, with “less than 30 per cent positive cases per 1,000 people” either arrived in recent days or are expected to also dock on Friday.

According to NSW authorities: “Cruise vessels must report Covid-19 cases 12-24 hours prior to arrival at a NSW port.”

The arrivals come amid a fourth wave expected to peak before Christmas.

Over 100,000 cases were recorded nationwide last week as a mix Covid and non-Covid viruses strain the nation’s hospital system.

Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Ben Symons

Professor Steve Robson, President of the Australian Medical Association, told ABC Radio the “worst was yet to come”.

“I think the worst is yet to come, looking at the data we have,” he said on Wednesday.

“It may still be another week or two before (cases) peak.”

He said resource constraints in hospitals around the country were causing havoc.

“When you have a Covid wave, it’s not only patients who get Covid – It’s the people who run the hospitals too.

“It’s a recipe for long and difficult waits for families.

“Covid is just stressing an already stressed system.”

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