Crew members test positive for COVID on US boat in Vancouver

Photo: BC Gov't

Officials are watching crew members aboard a U.S.-registered vessel docked in Vancouver who have tested positive for COVID-19.

Transport Canada said it is “closely monitoring the situation” and that the ship is “safely docked in the Lower Mainland.”

It did not provide details about the ship, its name, size or purpose, its route into B.C. waters nor the location where it is under quarantine.

“We are working with with @GovCanHealth, @CanBorder and other federal, provincial and local partners to ensure appropriate measures are taken to maintain marine safety and public health,” Transport Canada said on Twitter.

B.C. provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry confirmed in her Thursday briefing there were a “number of cases” aboard the U.S.-registered marine vessel.

“We know they have been tested over the last couple of days,” she said. “A number of the 10 crew have tested positive.”

Henry said the Public Health Agency of Canada and Transport Canada were managing the cases along with our Fraser Valley Health Authority and the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.

“Anyone who’s positive is in quarantine and being monitored and followed up.”