Four Guests Reportedly Deceased On Cruise Ship Docking in Ft Lauderdale
According to a recent report in the Sun-Sentinel, four guests aboard a Holland-America cruise looking to dock in Port Everglades are reported as deceased. No information has been given as of going to print as to whether the COVID-19 virus is responsible for these deaths.
Holland America is reporting that “four older guests” died on the Zaandam. Nearly 140 people on the ship have complained about feeling sick, including some with respiratory symptoms. On Thursday, several passengers were tested for the coronavirus and two people tested positive. Holland America didn’t say whether the two who tested positive were among the four passengers who died.
The ship was originally slated to dock in Chile but was prohibited by authorities. It is now making its way to Fort Lauderdale. It has become a contentious topic for Broward’s County Commission who may yet turn the boat away.
According to tot he Sun-Sentinel Cliff Kolber and his wife Doris, who left on their South America cruise in early March, said the captain on the Zaandam said at 11 a.m. that healthy people over age 70 will be evacuated to a second cruise line. Nobody is allowed to contact guest services to ask about themselves, the couple said.
Fort Lauderdale is currently under a stay-at-home order beginning at midnight tonight to help combat the spread of the coronavirus. Those breaking the order could be arrested or fined. This is on top of the announcement made by Governor Ron DeSantis that highway checkpoints will be set up along Interstate 10 and other major roads in the Panhandle. This is an attempt to screen cars coming from Louisiana including New Orleans which is a COVID-19 hotspot.
“This is just a way to keep people safe,” DeSantis said, comparing it to airport screenings of travelers coming from New York City.
The governor also said there are plans to open a major coronavirus testing site soon in Palm Beach County, with the assistance of the National Guard. The location was not revealed. Palm Beach has had less than 1,500 people tested for the disease so far, which trails testing in both Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
Guests should note that Holland America is not associated with The Walt Disney Company which has just announced Walt Disney World theme parks and resorts will remain closed until further notice.
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