Maria Caspani

(Reuters) – A minimum of 17 cases of COVID-19, with one probable Omicron variant case, were detected by passengers and crew aboard a cruise ship which docked in New Orleans this weekend. Louisiana health officials confirmed the findings.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NYSE -) Holdings Ltd operated the Norwegian Breakaway. This vessel carried over 3,200 people and left New Orleans Nov. 28. Officials stated that it made stops in Belize, Honduras, and Mexico, before arriving back at Louisiana.

According to health officials, the probable Omicron case was discovered in an undocumented crewmember who has not fled the ship.

Officials stated that all passengers had been tested for COVID-19 and would be returning to their homes in either a personal car or in the Norwegian Cruise Line accommodations.

In the United States, COVID-19 has been on the rise. Health officials are scrambling to determine its seriousness. Omicron cases are reported by at least one third of all states. However, the Delta variant is still the most prevalent strain of coronavirus in the United States.

The U.S. government had to stop cruising in response to the outbreaks of the ship disease. This led to billions in losses. However, the increased demand for leisure travel, and the introduction COVID-19 vaccinations, have all contributed to the industry’s recovery since the return to sailing this summer. Norwegian Cruise Line last month forecasted a return of profitability in 2022’s second half.

All cruise lines that depart from the United States, except Norwegian Cruise Lines and other major operators, must have all crew members fully vaccinated. The last dose of COVID-19 is required for passengers at least 14 days prior to the start of their cruise.

Norwegian requires that all passengers undergo a COVID-19 blood test before boarding. All of the confirmed positive cases aboard the cruise ship on Sunday were unrelated to their illness, the company stated.

WVUE TV was informed by some passengers that they knew about positive cases. Others claimed not to know.

It would have been great to know. We would have taken maybe a few more precautions,” Don Canole, a passenger from North Carolina, told the television station.

Norwegian recommends that passengers consult a doctor before they board. Passengers are willing to accept all risks, including the possibility of death, when traveling in the event of the pandemic. Passengers are also required to accept new COVID versions and pay quarantine fees or any other restrictions that may be imposed by authorities.

According to the CDC, increased cruise travel has caused COVID-19 outbreaks among both passengers and crew members despite strong vaccination rates for both. Between June 26 and Oct. 21 there were 1,359 coronavirus confirmed cases that cruise ships reported to the CDC, with several major outbreaks.

It is difficult to ensure that passengers are free of infection, even with strict safety procedures on cruise ships.

The health agency stated that there were instances when passengers didn’t report feeling symptomatic, or they waited for several days before reporting symptoms. According to the CDC, one fully vaccinated passenger was symptomatic with COVID-19 and died three days later. This occurred because of complications related to the virus.