Pride of Hull crew member tests positive for Covid-19
A P&O Pride of Hull crew member has reportedly tested positive for Covid-19, while three other seafarers have allegedly been sent home to Hull to self-isolate.
An RMT spokesperson said:
“A UK seafarer who resides in Spain joined the vessel last week and identified symptoms on Saturday.
“He was sent ashore on Saturday in Rotterdam and tested positive.
“He is currently in quarantine in a hotel in Rotterdam.
“Three other UK Seafarers were sent home from Hull to isolate.
“Six overseas agency workers were sent onto the the pride of York to isolate. This is a vessel in lay up in Hull which caused obvious concern from our members and we asked the company to address this by putting them in a hotel to isolate.
“We have been in contact with the Marine and Coastguard Agency and the Department for Transport regarding this because the introduction of those at risk to a clean environment is not acceptable.
“P&O are investigating and have said they will come back to us.”
This comes as Hull City Council release recent figures showing the latest seven-day rate of confirmed coronavirus cases in Hull to be 1.9 per 100,000 of the population.
That figure compares with a national rate of 9.4 per 100,000 of population.
It also compares with 15.5 per 100,000 across the Yorkshire and Humber region.
These figures are accurate as of the morning of Tuesday 11 August.
Julia Weldon, Director of Public Health for Hull, said:
“It is still essential to follow all government advice around hand hygiene, social distancing and use of face coverings.”
Covid-19 cases are identified by taking specimens from people and sending them to laboratories around the UK to be tested.
If the test is positive, this is a referred to as a lab-confirmed case.
Speaking to BBC Look North, a spokesperson for P&O Ferries told BBC Look North that it has not yet been confirmed whether there has been a case on the Pride of Hull.
They said:
“The health and well-being of P&O Ferries’ passengers and crew is the company’s foremost priority.
“If any employee tests positive for Covid-19, then the relevant authorities and employees are informed through the company’s robust internal procedures.”
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