The wait is on for the results of tests on three people onboard the Carnival Fascination.
The cruise ship anchored in Barbados’ territorial waters earlier this afternoon and health officials were scheduled to take swabs for testing.
This is in keeping with the protocols outlined by Prime Minister Mia Mottley during a media conference at Government Headquarters today.
Mottley said officials would be screening for coronavirus COVID-19, and all passengers would remain on the Carnival Fascination until test results are known.
That process should take about four hours.
There are 37 Barbadians on board and 140 intransit passengers.
The three passengers exhibited flu-like symptoms and officials in St Lucia did not give the ship permission to dock because they are unable to test for the coronavirus. Barbados is in a position to do so.
The Prime Minister said no chances would be taken with the health of the nation.
To date, more than 82 000 cases of the virus have been recorded worldwide, with just over 2 800 deaths. (SAT)
