PREMIER of Western Australia, Mark McGowan, has confirmed cases of COVID-19 among the crew of a live export ship at Fremantle.
Mr McGowan told a press conference a number of crew members of livestock carrier Al Kuwait tested positive.
The ship sailed from United Arab Emirates and arrived in Fremantle on Friday of last week.
“The Al Kuwait departed the United Arab Emirates on May 7 with a total of 48 crew members onboard,” he said.
“This morning, seven crew members were tested for COVID-19.
“Six have tested positive, all males, and are being moved off the ship to a Perth hotel for quarantine purposes.”
Mr McGowan told the ABC the remaining 42 crew members were “currently well” and would remain onboard the ship to be monitored and undergo health checks.
“I suspect it is probably more than likely that more crew members may become infected with the virus,” he said.
“This is an extremely concerning situation that we find ourselves in. But because of all the work of all Western Australians, we are in the best possible position to deal with this situation.”
The Australian Border Force issued a statement on the incident, saying it had completed all customs and immigration related clearances in relation to the matter.
“Further to reports… relating to the Al Kuwait, the ABF received no reports of illness on board the vessel on the day of or prior to its arrival in port,” the ABF stated.
