Ruby Princess set to sail in three days, amid legal threats and flight negotiations
The Ruby Princess is scheduled to leave in three days, despite 190 crew infected with COVID-19.
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys said the cruise ship, with more than 1000 crew on board, was restocked, refuelled and ready to depart.
However, the escalating number of crew sick with the deadly virus remains a major health hazard and a headache for NSW authorities.
Graphs showing number of coronavirus cases and testing in New South Wales, Australia. 9News
"It's something we can't get wrong," Deputy Comm. Worboys said today.
NSW Health said 190 crew on board the ship have tested positive for the virus, while another 12 are being cared for in hospital. One more case is under review.
There were still "some health outcomes" that needed to occur before the Ruby Princess is ordered out of Australian waters and sets sail for Manila.
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Twelve Ruby Princess crew remain in NSW hospitals, and there were unconfirmed reports last week the ship's captain was sick.
How the ship docked is the subject of a massive police probe and a NSW government inquiry.
At least 21 deaths have been linked to the infected cruise ship, which spilled 2700 passengers into Sydney last month.
It is unclear how many international passengers may have died from COVID-19, after flying out from Australia.
The family of a US man, Chung Chen, are suing Princess Cruises for more than $1.6 million after he died, following his return to Los Angeles.
Ruby Princess Cruise Ship docked in Port Kembla, NSW Louise Kennerley /SMH
An Australian law firm, Shine Lawyers, is also investigating a possible class action against the cruise company.
Discussions between Princess Cruises and the US, UK and Canadian consulates about repatriation flights was ongoing, Deputy Comm. Worboys said.
If necessary, NSW Police would escort crew to Sydney airport and on to charter flights.
The majority of the crew are from south east Asia.
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