U.S. tracking ship that may have shared crew with coronavirus-hit cruise liner: Pence
Vice President Mike Pence met with executives from the cruise industry Saturday to set standards on how to deal with the growing coronavirus outbreak.
(SOUNDBITE) (ENGLISH) VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE, SAYING:
"The American people value our cruise line industry. The cruise line industry has a strong public health record, and has been a strong partner at maritime security with the United States Coast Guard. Nevertheless, we all recognize the recent challenges posed on the Diamond Princess and the ongoing challenge with the Grand Princess in the spread of the coronavirus...Today we reached an agreement with the cruise line industry to further enhance entry and exit screening. And also to establish shipboard testing for the coronavirus. New quarantining standards will be coordinated with the CDC for all ships and we will also be working with the industry, as they develop a plan to move any patients that contract the coronavirus or otherwise become seriously ill, to land-based facilities."
Out in the international waters off California, thousands remain in limbo aboard the Grand Princess cruise ship, which was barred from docking in San Francisco after some passengers and crew tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
Pence on Saturday also said the U.S. is tracking a cruise ship that may have shared crew members of the Grand Princess.
