The state’s ports authority says cruise passengers won’t be subjected to additional screening

Tasmania’s ports authority says passengers on board an Italian cruise ship docking in Hobart on Sunday are not expected to be subjected to any additional screening measures.

TASMANIA’S ports authority says passengers aboard an Italian cruise ship docking in Hobart today are not expected to be subjected to any additional screening measures.

Under Australia’s introduced border measures following the outbreak of coronavirus all cruise vessels entering Australian territory are legally required to report ill passengers and crew.

As part of its worldwide trip, Italian-based ship Costa Deliziosa is scheduled to dock in Hobart today following stops in Italy, Spain, Peru and New Zealand.

The Costa Deliziosa cruise ship left Italy on January 9 and has not visited any countries considered a high risk of coronavirus in the past 14 days.

Italy has seen the most coronavirus deaths outside of China, where the virus emerged in December.

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The 965-foot ship carrying up to 3700 passengers and crew is also due to visit Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea.

A TasPorts spokeswoman yesterday said the state’s ports authority would be guided by the Department of Health and Australian Border Protection’s introduced measures at ports nationally, including Tasmania, to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

“TasPorts is and will continue to work alongside Federal Government Agencies, including Australian Border Force, to ensure we have the most up-to-date information and appropriate measures in place,” a spokeswoman said.

A Health Department spokesman said authorities had been made aware of strict health guidelines regarding the coronavirus.

“Strict protocols have been introduced by the Australian Government for all ships arriving and operating in Australian waters and are being applied by Tasmanian ports, health and biosecurity authorities to protect against the risk of coronavirus,” a spokesman said.

“Cruise line companies follow specific advice to manage any ill passengers or crew before arrival at port. This includes alerting authorities when coronavirus is suspected.”

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