Ruby Princess inquiry: Hotel manager surprised guests tested for COVID-19 allowed to leave

The hotel manager on board the Ruby Princess was surprised guests who had been tested for COVID-19 had been permitted to leave the ill-fated cruise ship before results were released, a NSW commission of inquiry has heard.

The Ruby Princess special inquiry heard on Thursday from hotel manager Charles Verwall that the situation on sister ship Diamond Princess - quarantined in Japan in February due to a COVID-19 outbreak - had alerted crew to the risks of the virus.

Mr Verwall said social distancing was implemented from the start of the cruise on March 8 as well as increased cleaning protocols and changes to the kitchen service.

But no changes were made to entertainment areas, including nightclubs and shows.

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He said there was concern on board that passengers could be presenting signs of the virus, but this was difficult to confirm after five negative COVID-19 test results came back from New Zealand - the destination of the 11-day cruise voyage.

He added no NSW Health personnel boarded the ship on arrival in Sydney on March 19 in contrast to their meticulous inspections on March 8.

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys told reporters today authorities were "extremely confident" the Ruby Princess' departure from Port Kembla is imminent, with about 500 crew members remaining on board.

The ship has been docked for more than two weeks after a COVID-19 outbreak, with the vessel so far linked to 21 coronavirus deaths and almost 700 infections across Australia.

More than 300 crew members are currently disembarking the ship and will be taken to Sydney Airport where they will fly home to the Philippines on Thursday evening.