As of 3pm AEST 26 May 2020, six crew members of the live export vessel Al Kuwait have tested positive to COVID while the vessel was berthed at Fremantle, WA.
In accordance with requirements, no crew members were permitted to disembark and all Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment staff attended the vessel in full personal protective equipment (PPE).
The vessel reported three unwell crew members but none with elevated temperatures or COVID-like symptoms prior to arrival.
The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment was made aware of crew members with elevated temperatures when the vessel docked and immediately notified the Western Australian Department of Health.
The WA State Department of Health is responsible for the management of this incident, including all decisions relating to human health.
The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment is continuing to work with Western Australian authorities to ensure the health and wellbeing of the WA community and crew aboard the Al Kuwait.
The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment is confident that government protocols were met.
The department continues to work with WA authorities on the next steps, including any implications for the live animal shipment.
