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(CNN) – An 83-year-old Singaporean passenger aboard a “cruise to nowhere” has again tested negative for COVID-19 after a false positive stopped the trip, the Singapore Health Ministry said on Thursday.
The man had initially tested positive for the virus while aboard the Quantum of the Seas, operated by Royal Caribbean International.
That test has now been deemed negative, Singapore authorities said in a statement.
The ship was organizing a three-night, four-day “cruise to nowhere” itinerary around Singapore, as part of a program to reinvigorate domestic travel in Singapore amid COVID-19.
The man’s close contacts were quarantined while several passengers and crew were forced to remain on board while contact tracing was conducted.
“We have rescinded the quarantine orders for his close contacts, who had previously been quarantined as a precautionary measure while investigations were ongoing,” the statement read.
Royal Caribbean will compensate passengers on the Quantum of the Seas cruise ship for the day of travel they missed, the cruise line said.
An outing scheduled for December 10 was canceled. Now that all passengers have disembarked, the ship is being thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, according to the Royal Caribbean press release.
The original positive test prompted the cruise line to inform Singapore officials of the news and return to port.
The man was taken to a Singapore hospital. The remaining 1,679 passengers and 1,148 crew members were screened for coronavirus, even if they were not in direct contact with the infected passenger.
“We are working closely with the government to develop a complete system that tests and monitors all guests and crew and follows best public health practices,” said a Royal Caribbean representative. “The fact that we were able to quickly identify this unique case and take immediate action is a sign that the system is working as designed.”
“The well-being and safety of our local community, as well as passengers and crew remain a priority. All passengers undergo a mandatory COVID-19 test prior to boarding, with strict hygiene and safety measures in place during the entire passenger journey, “said the aggregate representative.
The ship was operating at 50% capacity. All passengers had to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test in order to board and wear masks at all times when out of their cabins.
Only Singapore citizens were allowed to purchase tickets for the cruise, and crew members from around the world spent 14 days in quarantine in the city-state to obtain authorization to work.
As an added hygiene measure, fresh air circulated regularly throughout the ship, Royal Caribbean said.
The Quantum of the Seas debuted in 2015 to much fanfare. Onboard amenities include bumper cars, a bionic bar with iPad orders, a skydiving simulator, and 19 restaurants, including one themed “Alice in Wonderland.” It costs a billion dollars to build and equip.
This story was first published on CNN.com, “Passenger aboard cruise ship disrupted by Covid scare is virus-free, authorities say.”
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