CORNWALL – All 129 repatriated travellers from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, who were under a 14 day quarantine at Nav Center for the novel coronavirus, have been released.
That word in a statement from Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, around 9:45 a.m. Friday morning.
“These individuals remained asymptomatic for COVID-19 throughout the 14-day quarantine period and, as a result, they pose no risk to others and can safely return to their communities and to their usual activities. To respect the privacy of the individuals leaving quarantine, we will not release further details of their travel plans,” Tam said.
In a video update on Facebook yesterday, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Paul Roumeliotis said the people “will be given options” such as buses to take them to nearby airports or “family members or friends will be able to pick them up on site.”
Dr. Tam also thanked the Canadians and families for their patience and cooperation, under stressful circumstances and urged others to shoe them “respect and compassion.”
“I would also like to extend my thanks and appreciation to federal partners and the provincial and local public health authorities, the City of Cornwall, Cornwall Community Police Service, the Canadian Red Cross and the Nav Center for their contributions to these repatriation efforts,” she said.
In his video update, Roumeliotis added that the quarantine area will “undergo thorough disinfection.”
Meantime, Ontario’s Ministry of Health has confirmed two more cases of coronavirus in Ontario, bringing the total to 26. Four of the 26 cases have been resolved.