Holland America's MS Zaandam and MS Rotterdam cruise ships – one with ill people on board – have crossed the Panama Canal and are headed to Florida. But several government officials, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, are concerned about the ships' plans to head to Fort Lauderdale.
Four elderly passengers on the Zaandam died, though the causes of death have not been disclosed; 73 guests and 116 crew members reported flu-like symptoms. Symptoms of the flu and coronavirus are similar. The COVID-19 coronavirus has sickened more than 787,000 people and killed more than 37,800 worldwide as of Tuesday morning. Of the symptomatic passengers who were tested, two tested positive for COVID-19.
DeSantis said it would be “a mistake” to bring the cruise ship passengers into South Florida for treatment because the state already has a high number of coronavirus infections and that number is growing. He said the area’s hospital beds need to be saved for residents and not “foreign nationals.”
Four elderly passengers on the Zaandam died, though the causes of death have not been disclosed; 73 guests and 116 crew members reported flu-like symptoms. Symptoms of the flu and coronavirus are similar. The COVID-19 coronavirus has sickened more than 787,000 people and killed more than 37,800 worldwide as of Tuesday morning. Of the symptomatic passengers who were tested, two tested positive for COVID-19.
DeSantis said it would be “a mistake” to bring the cruise ship passengers into South Florida for treatment because the state already has a high number of coronavirus infections and that number is growing. He said the area’s hospital beds need to be saved for residents and not “foreign nationals.”
'Unacceptable': Florida officials debate letting Holland America ships dock with ill passengers
Passengers on Holland America's MS Zaandam and MS Rotterdam may soon be home, though some Florida government officials are concerned.
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