The long wait continues as the anxiety and frustration spread aboard the luxury cruise ship from Costa Crociere. For over twelve hours people have been waiting on board. By 07 this morning, 1140 of over 6,000 passengers would have left Civitavecchia when their cruise was over. Instead, as many would have gone on and the Costa Smeralda ship continued its route.
In addition to the more than 6,000 passengers, there are 1,000 people on board, ie a total of more than 7,000 people. Everyone has been waiting for new messages while fear of the virus, anger and anxiety spread on board.
Two Chinese tourists, who arrived from Macao to Milan on January 25 and then boarded the Costa Smeralda, have been isolated in the ship's hospital ward. This is after the 54-year-old woman in the couple had a fever, difficulty breathing and flu symptoms. As soon as the staff began to suspect that the woman could carry the corona virus, emergency measures were taken and alarms were also made.
Since arriving in the port of Civitavecchia, the only people who have been on board are the doctors who have taken samples on the couple. Since the samples were analyzed in hospitals, it has been found that the corona virus is not mentioned, reports Reuters. But the ship's quarantine has not yet been relieved.
"Are you crazy?"Early on Thursday afternoon, it seemed as if the passengers who were leaving would be allowed to do so. The commander of the port, Vincenzo Leone, had given his permission. But then a car came running at high speed and out jumped the Mayor of Civitavecchia, Ernesto Tedesco, and he was furious.
“Are you crazy? Anyone who lets someone go ashore does so at their own risk and can await legal action! ”, He should have screamed according to Italian media.
With those words, he stopped all attempts to get people to leave the ship. The passengers who would be boarding may sleep in hotels tonight while the uncertainty continues for all on board where the feelings are becoming increasingly agitated.
Although the negative test responses have now arrived, they are waiting 7,000 aboard to be told what will happen to them next.