Singapore Ministry of Health Confirms Quantum of the Seas Passenger Does Not Have Covid-19

Dec 10, 2020

The 83-year-old passenger who tested positive for Covid-19 on board Quantum of the Seas has subsequently tested negative, said Singapore’s Ministry of Health on Wednesday.

The original PCR sample from the ship’s medical center was sent to the National Public Health Laboratory for a retest, and a second fresh sample was tested. Both Covid-19 tests came back negative. Following the health protocols, the laboratory conducted an additional sample today to confirm the patient’s Covid-19 status.

The latest update is that the final confirmatory test came back negative and the National Public Health Laboratory has confirmed that the 83-year-old passenger on board Quantum of the Seas does not have Covid-19 virus.

“A final confirmatory test conducted by the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) on 10 December 2020 has confirmed that the 83 year-old male Singaporean on board Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum of the Seas does not have COVID-19 infection. The sample taken from the individual this morning came back negative for the virus. This follows two Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests conducted yesterday by NPHL, one on a re-test of his original sample, and the other on a fresh sample taken yesterday, which had also come back negative. We have rescinded the Quarantine Orders of his close contacts, who had earlier been placed on quarantine as a precautionary measure while investigations were ongoing. MOH will support the laboratory on board the Quantum of the Seas in its review of its testing processes.” Said Singapore Ministry of Health.

Royal Caribbean International said on Wednesday evening that due to “an overabundance of caution”, they’re going to cancel the upcoming cruise on 10 December.

“At Royal Caribbean International, the safety and well-being of our guests and crew are our top priorities. In an overabundance of caution, we've decided to cancel our upcoming December 10th, 2020 sailing. We know how much time and effort go into planning your holiday and are terribly sorry for any disappointment. While we wish we had different news to share, we've emailed you and your travel agent additional details, including compensation." 

Royal Caribbean said that Quantum of the Seas sailings will resume on December 14.