Princess Cruises has used a full-page newspaper ad to respond to an inquiry into one of its ships over an outbreak of coronavirus cases.
Earlier this week, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced a special commission of inquiry into Ruby Princess. The ship is also part of a criminal investigation.
The inquiry will look into the departure and return of the ship to Circular Quay on March 19, when 2,700 passengers were allowed to disembark despite some showing symptoms of, and being tested for, coronavirus. Test results had not yet been received when passengers were allowed off.
In the weeks that followed, health and border protection agencies across state and federal levels, as well as Princess Cruises, were in a battle over who was responsible for the debacle.
Princess Cruises president Jan Swartz used a full-age ad, printed in The Australian, to say the US-based cruise line will assist with the commission of inquiry.
“It is heartbreaking and distressing to know that coronavirus has had, and continues to have, such a terrible impact on so many people across the world, including some of our guests, crew members and their families. Our hearts and thoughts go out to everyone that has been affected,” Swartz says.
“This Commission of Inquiry is an opportunity for all to learn from this tragic event. Princess welcomes the inquiry and appreciates the Premier’s statement of an independent inquiry that will leave no stone unturned. There are no doubt important lessons to be learned as we seek to understand how the virus works and continue to adapt to the world with COVID-19.”
Swartz went on to add that the ship left Sydney before tough restrictions on borders were in place.
There have been about 600 confirmed cases and 19 deaths linked to the coronavirus outbreak on Ruby Princess.
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