Seven sailors aboard the USNS Mercy, a Navy hospital ship sent to the Port of Los Angeles to support Los Angeles-area hospitals, have tested positive for the coronavirus as of Tuesday afternoon, April 14.
Another 113 sailors have also been moved off the ship and are self-isolating because they were in contact with the virus-infected sailors. The Mercy has a medical crew of more than 1,000 personnel and a civilian crew of about 80 that runs the ship’s systems.
“All are currently in quarantine off the ship and have tested negative for COVID-19 with the exception of one crew member, who was the fifth confirmed positive case,” Lt. Andrew Bertucci, a spokesman aboard the Mercy, said. “Crew members who were in contact with the COVID-19 positive individuals are in self-quarantine where they will self-monitor for COVID-like symptoms.”
The first sailor to test positive was reported on April 8; three more were confirmed positive by Friday, April 10; and four new cases of infection were added over the weekend.
None of the 48 patients admitted to the Mercy from area hospitals have tested positive for COVID-19, Bertucci said.
Patients admitted to the ship are tested at the hospital before being selected for transport to the Navy ship.
The ship is in port to take non-COVID patients from Los Angeles area hospital so they can focus on those who are sick from the virus. Doctors on board have performed multiple minor surgeries.
Thirty patients have been discharged.
On Tuesday, Marine Major Gen. Robert Castellvi, commanding general of the 1st Marine Division, visited his Marines from the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, who are helping provide security for the ship. Castellvi’s visit was mainly to review their security procedures and provide a morale boost, officials said.
