BY IAN CROUCH
NSW Health is accessing a ship off Newcastle which has COVID-positive crew members on board.
11 of the 21 workers on board the bulk carrier Spirit of Ho Ping have contracted the virus.
The ship has come from the Philippines and hasn't docked in Australia - it's currently sitting about 60km off the coast of Newcastle.
Health authorities are to decide whether to bring the ship into Newcastle Port, escort it to a Navy site or leave it at anchor and allow the virus to run its course.
Dennis Ooutram from the Newcastle Branch of the Maritime Union of Australia says there are procedures in place to ensure the protection of wharfies if the ship does dock.
"We've had very few (COVID-infected ships) in Newcastle. To my knowledge they have to self-declare if there's any illness - so that's not COVID, that's anything concerning the health of their crew," he said.
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| The bulk carrier Spirit Of Ho Ping is sitting about 60km off the coast of Newcastle Picture balticshipping.com |
