USNS Mercy Crew Member Tests Positive For COVID-19
SAN PEDRO (CBSLA) — A crew member aboard Naval hospital ship USNS Mercy has tested positive for COVID-19, the Navy confirmed Wednesday.
The crew member, who works in the medical treatment facility, is currently isolated aboard the ship and will be transferred to an off-ship facility where they will "self-monitor for severe symptoms."
According to Lt. Joseph Pfaff, the positive case will not affect the ability for the ship to receive patients.
The ship is following protocols and taking every precaution to ensure the health and safety of all crewmembers and patients on board, Pfaff said.
The Naval hospital ship arrived at the Port of Los Angeles on March 28 to help relieve local hospitals staggering under an onslaught of coronavirus cases.
The ship, which left from San Diego days prior, is being used to treat non-coronavirus patients so land-based regional hospitals can treat those with COVID-19.
USNS Mercy has 1,000 beds, 12 operating rooms, and 800 Navy medical personnel and support staff. The floating hospital can provide a range of services, including critical care for adults.
