USNS Mercy hospital ship crewmember tests positive for COVID-19
The USNS Mercy Navy hospital ship is seen at dawn in the Port of Los Angeles after it arrived to assist with the coronavirus pandemic on March 28, 2020 in San Pedro, California. (David McNew/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES - A medical treatment facility crewmember aboard the USNS Mercy hospital ship has tested positive for COVID-19, Public Affairs Officer Lt. Joseph Pfaff confirmed Wednesday.
The crewmember is currently in isolation aboard the ship and will be transferred to a military isolation facility where they will self-monitor for symptoms, Pfaff said.
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Pfaff says this will not affect the ability for Mercy to receive patients. He says the ship is following infection control procedures and taking every precaution to ensure the health and safety of all crew members and patients on board.
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It was not immediately known how the crewmember contracted the virus.
USNS Mercy is treating non-coronavirus patients to free up space at area hospitals. As of Wednesday, 12 patients getting treatment remained onboard.
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