UPDATE: Coronavirus screening on cruise ship docked in N.J. sends 4 to hospital for evaluation

About two dozen passengers on Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas cruise ship that docked in Bayonne on Friday morning are expected to be screened by health officials for coronavirus, officials said.

Four passengers were sent to area hospitals for further screening, Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis said. “I was advised the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) considers this a ‘below low risk’ situation.”

The ship’s other passengers were allowed to disembark normally, the mayor said.

Royal Caribbean issued an emailed statement acknowledging some passengers were checked.

“Like airlines, we are participating in elevated levels of guest screening to check the spread of coronavirus" the statement said. "We are closely monitoring developments regarding coronavirus and have rigorous medical protocols in place onboard our ships.

"We continue to work in close consultation with the CDC, the WHO, and local health authorities to align with their guidance and ensure the health and wellbeing of our guests and crew.”

Davis tweeted early Friday that he has consulted with health officials about the ship.

“I have been briefed on the RC cruise ship arriving this morning," Davis said. " I am certain that the NJ DoH, CDC, and PA NY/NJ are prepared and equipped to address any concerns this morning.”

There have been confirmed cases of coronavirus in 28 countries, according the latest numbers provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. In the U.S., 11 people from five states have tested positive, though none have been in New Jersey, New York or Pennsylvania. The results of 76 more tests are pending.

Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday launched a task force to make sure New Jersey is prepared for any threat from the surging coronavirus. The state launched a website and a hotline — 1-800-222-1222 — to answer questions about the virus.

Princeton University earlier this week ordered some students, faculty and staff who recently traveled to China to self-isolate

The coronavirus has sickened more than 28,000 people and killed at least 638 — almost entirely in China — since it was identified in December.

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst was added to a list of military installations near 11 major U.S. airports that could host additional passengers if local health care facilities become filled, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Defense.

On Friday, Japan reported 41 new cases of a virus on a quarantined cruise ship and turned away another luxury liner while the death toll in mainland China rose to 636, including a doctor who got in trouble with authorities in the communist country for sounding an early warning about the disease threat.

Two docked cruise ships with thousands of passengers and crew members remained under 14-day quarantines in Hong Kong and Japan.

#breaking Several ambulances just pulled up to the cruise ship. — Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas cruise ship docked 30 minutes ago in Bayonne New Jersey. We understand some passengers will be screened for #coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/wuDyslIMwo — Alex Butler (@AlexButlertv) February 7, 2020

The Associated Press contributed to this report

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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