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April 11, 2003 Two Star Cruises crew hospitalized
The Singapore Straits Times cites Malaysia's health ministry as saying that one of them, a 26-year-old woman from India, was quarantined aboard the SuperStar Virgo when she fell ill on March 30, and is now hoitalized in Langkawi, Malaysia. Star Cruises says that, based on the latest available reports, the crew member hospitalized in Langkawi has responded positively to medication and is expected to be discharged from the hospital in a day or two. The other crew member was admitted to the Tan Tock Seng hospital in Singapore on April 9 for observation and treatment for high fever. As an immediate voluntary precautionary measure, Star Cruises had quarantined 13 crew members believed to have been in onboard contact with the two crew members who are now hospitalized. Star Cruises says has taken every proactive and precautionary measure within its capacity since the onset of SARS in certain countries in its region. The measures even include the wearing of surgical masks by all crew at all times and the suspension of crew shore leave in SARS-affected countries since March 29. Any passenger or crew who displays symptoms related to SARS will be denied boarding in compliance with directives issued by health authorities in Singapore and Malaysia. Any crew who displays symptoms will be sent to a shoreside hospital for further observation. Star Cruises has now canceled the next two cruises scheduled for SuperStar Virgo departing from Singapore. It is also reviewing its ships' present itineraries as the SARS situation unfolds. Star Cruises will offer a full refund on the cruise fare and hotel accommodation, wherever applicable to all passengers who have already booked a cruise on the canceled cruises. Star Cruises is working very closely with the Ministries of Health, maritime and port health authorities of both Singapore and Malaysia and says it will "extend its fullest cooperation in arresting the SARS situation." |
