Medan, N Sumatra (ANTARA) - A passenger ship, the KM Kelud, is to be held under quarantine upon its arrival in Belawan Port in Medan, North Sumatra, Monday, after some passengers and crew members tested positive for COVID-19.
A spokesman of the North Sumatra's Provincial Task Force for Acceleration of COVID-19 Handling, dr Aris Yudhiriansyah, confirmed here on Monday that the ship, operated by the state-run shipping operator PT Pelni, would be quarantined in Belawan Port.
KM Kelud passenger ship anchored at the Bandar Deli Port Belawan, North Sumatra. (ANTARA/HO)
"We are still coordinating with the KKP, Pelindo and Medan health office in the health check process," he said.
The KM Kelud, carrying 111 passengers, departed Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta before it anchored at Batu Ampar Port in Batam City.
As many as 31 passengers left the ship at Batu Ampar Port, while 44 others are scheduled to disembark at Tanjung Balai Karimun, and 36 passengers at Belawan Port.
The Batam Port Health Office reported that crew member TF tested positive for COVID-19, after it conducted rapid tests for the virus as the ship anchored at the port on Sunday morning (April 12). Further testing showed that 39 other crew and passengers also tested positive for COVID-19.
TF was referred to RSBP Batam for isolation, while 39 others were evacuated to Galang Special Infectious Disease Hospital.
The ship has canceled its planned route, including calling at Tanjung Balai Karimun Port in Riau Islands, and instead proceeded to Belawan Port.
(INE)
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