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Health officials say they are still investigating, but have now identified the likely source of the workers’ infection: the international sailors they have been caring for, 31 of whom tested positive for COVID-19.
“The genome of [the first worker infected] is B1.1.7 – of the international sailors who tested positive for COVID-19, five are part of the B1.1.7 lineage, “the ministry said in a statement.
“[Their] The genome exactly matches the genomes of these five sailors, indicating a high probability that one of these hosts is the source of the healthcare worker’s infection.
“We are awaiting the results of the genome sequencing for case B.”
The Health Ministry says the workers wore full personal protective equipment (PPE), but the “deceptive” virus thwarted it. It is in the midst of a full review to determine if the procedures could be improved to prevent future infections.
Health officials have assessed the risk of COVID-19 re-exposure from workers to international sailors as “extremely low.” They are now working on an exit plan for the sailors, who will be transported directly to their respective ships.
