2 More USNS Mercy Crew Members Test Positive For COVID-19 Bringing Total To 3
SAN PEDRO (CBSLA) — An additional two crew members aboard Naval hospital ship USNS Mercy has tested positive for COVID-19, the Navy confirmed Friday.
As of Friday, a total of three medical treatment facility crewmembers had tested positive for the virus.
The crew members are currently isolated off-ship and are self-monitoring, according to LT. Joseph Pfaff.
According to the ship's captain, the crew members and 53 others have been taken off the ship as a precaution.
Pfaff said the case was not going to affect the ability for the ship to receive patients.
On Wednesday, the Navy confirmed the first cases of COVID-19 on the ship.
Governor Gavin Newsom Friday Friday that seniors from local care homes will be moved onto the Mercy to avoid the risk of contracting COVID-19.
"They are affording us the opportunity to prioritize that population by using an incredible asset that the Mercy provides us," Newsom said.
The Governor said the Mercy will only house seniors who have tested negative for COVID-19
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.
