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First cruise ship in WA has COVID-19 cases aboard

A cruise ship making the first visit to WA since the pandemic has confirmed it has "a small number" of COVID-19 cases aboard.
Passengers who have the virus must isolate in their cabins for five days, despite the rule now being scrapped on land.
However, the outbreak won't affect the other passengers who will be allowed to disembark in the state as planned - but only after taking a rapid test.
Coral Princess in Sydney Harbour.
Coral Princess in Sydney Harbour. (Peter Rae)
The Coral Princess is currently on its way to Geraldton, WA with 2000 passengers aboard.
Marguerite Fitzgerald, President, Carnival Australia and P&O Cruises Australia said a "small number" of guests have tested positive.
"As a result of early detection and isolation, case numbers remain steady with a majority of our 2000 guests unimpacted," Fitzgerald, said.
She said most have no or few symptoms.
WA Health confirmed it has been told of cases aboard, which are being managed by Princess Cruises.
WA's COVID-19 plan states if more than ten percent of passengers test positive everyone must be given a rapid test before being allowed ashore on excursions
Cruise ship passengers must be fully vaccinated and self report a negative test before starting a cruise.
Masks must be worn in some public areas.
WA was the last state to allow cruise ships to visit again.
The $5b industry restarted in Australia in May this year.
In July, Fitzgerald defended COVID-19 protocols, after outbreaks on some of the first ships to sail.
"These protocols were designed with the knowledge that Omicron cannot be stopped from any place where people congregate," she said.
Coral Princess arriving into Melbourne last month.
Coral Princess arriving into Melbourne last month. (Getty Images for Princess Cruise)
WA Health has not been asked for assistance in managing the cases on board the Coral Princess, it said.
It confirmed cruise bosses must tell authorities if there are any cases aboard 12 to 24 hours before arriving.
"Under the protocols, those onboard vessels who have COVID should isolate for five days," a spokesman, sad.
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