coronavirus, coronavirus, cruise ships, covid-19

At least one Tamworth couple are in self-isolation after Greg Butler contracted COVID-19 on the Ruby Princess cruise ship in Sydney last week. The 56-year-old told national media he was among 2700 passengers who went through security without having temperature checks. "We have been contacted by health department, 14 days isolation from when we arrived back is [in] Sydney," Mr Butler wrote on Facebook. "But we weren't even looked at by anyone when we left the ship and we're allowed to travel on public transport." Before the cruise disembarked, passengers were given a letter that outlined the mandatory 14-day self-isolation period. Australian Defence Force personnel have since been deployed to track down each of the cruise guests. Since the passengers left the ship, 48 have been discovered to have contracted COVID-19. It brings the total number of patients in the HNEH district to 72, with at least 18 of those in the 60 to 69 age group. At least 47 of those cases came to Australia from overseas. The news comes as COVID-19 cases surpass 800 in NSW and the country's eighth person dies. The Leader contacted Mr Butler and his partner for comment and is awaiting a response. HUNTER New England Health has announced a surge of 25 new confirmed COVID-19 cases. Out of the cases confirmed in the last 24 hours, 20 have come from cruise ships. "We have seen cases scattered across Hunter New England Health, so we appear to be behind the virus," he said. "Now is the time that we all need to pay particular attention to social distancing. "We need to stand back, we need to keep our colds and our coughs at home. "We need to make sure that we are not touching other people's hands, all of Hunter New England Health needs to work together to slow the spread of this virus." Read also: It brings the total number of patients to 72, with at least 18 of those in the 60 to 69 age group. At least 47 of those cases came to Australia from overseas. Want more local news? Subscribe to the Leader to read it here first

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