A cruise ship on its way to Malta had to make last minutes changes after a passenger tested positive for COVID-19.
On Monday, the MSC Seaside, which was meant to stop here in transit, was not permitted to enter the Valletta Cruise Port. It had left Syracuse, Sicily, on June 1 for a seven-day tour around the Mediterranean.
The incident happened on the same day that Malta registered zero new cases for the first time in 11 months.
![MSC Seaside was due to arrive in Malta on Monday Photo: Screengrab of Marine Traffic website MSC Seaside was due to arrive in Malta on Monday Photo: Screengrab of Marine Traffic website](https://cdn-attachments.timesofmalta.com/9072410bc6cb7ca1a67ac7575acb65e5bd49bf7b-1623081927-b4d953c3-1920x1280.jpg)
“A liner was on its way to Malta when a passenger reported sick. In line with the MSC protocol and as approved by the health authorities, the passenger was tested and found positive,” a health spokesperson told Times of Malta.
She said that the vessel performed a technical call and continued with its itinerary without stopping in Malta.
No further details were provided.
According to the MSC Cruise's website, all guests need to take a molecular or antigen test prior to the ship’s departure. Proof of vaccination is required from fully vaccinated guests.
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