Spectrum Of The Seas Cruise Grounded For 21 Days

A cruise-to-nowhere ship where a staff member tested positive for Covid-19 has been banned from sailing for 21 days after health authorities confirmed the patient to be a re-positive case.

The 40-year-old crew member of Spectrum of the Seas, who had tested positive in Malaysia in July, tested positive again on Thursday, but with a very low viral load.

The case forced the cancellation of a voyage on Thursday.

Authorities said the fully-vaccinated man was asymptomatic and tested negative upon admission to hospital, while his antibody test was positive.

"Based on the epidemiological and laboratory findings, the case is compatible with a re-positive case," the Centre for Health Protection said.

Officials said they requested the cruise to suspend operations for 21 days "for prudence sake".

Spectrum of the Seas ship can receive guests again from November 11.

The Centre for Health Protection said its officers had boarded the ship to inspect its sanitary condition, as epidemiological investigation and contact tracing continued.

It said close contacts have been quarantined. Officials reminded people who have been on the ship between September 30 to October 21 to undergo mandatory testing.