“The confirmed case is a Filipino crewman in his 40s on board the bulk carrier, Key Integrity,” the WA Health October 21, 2020 Covid-19 Update said.
It noted that the case was already made public yesterday, but did not identify the country of the concerned seafarer.
“There are now two positive cases on this vessel which is docked at Fremantle Port – both are isolating in their cabins. The remaining 18 crew have returned negative tests and remain on board,” the update said.
The WA Health said it is now working closely with the vessel owner, shipping agent, Fremantle Port and Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) to manage the ore carrier.
The Filipino seafarer is the only fresh Covid case reported yesterday afternoon, but was included in the tally only today. Thus, the State’s total confirmed cases now stand at 739.Meanwhile, the 52 officers and crew of livestock carrier AL Messilah, which also remains docked in Fremantle, were also subjected to Covid test after one crewmember turned positive earlier.
When the results came, 24 of the crew were confirmed positive for Covid-19. The 24 cases plus an additional 12 close contacts have now been moved off the vessel to join the earlier crew in a state-run hotel quarantine.
The WA Health said among those in close contacts was an Australian veterinarian who boarded the AL Messilah ahead of its anticipated onward voyage. He has join the those in quarantine.
WA Health, however, did not reveal the other nationalities of the confirmed Covid cases from the livestock carrier.
