WILLEMSTAD - As was reported yesterday "small number of individuals" onboard MS Braemar were tested for COVID-19 Coronavirus in Curaçao by the Public Health Department.

According to the local epidemiologists Dr. Izzy Gerstenbluth, some of those tests have returned a positive result.

The patients who were initially struck down with "influenza-like symptoms" will remain on board in isolation.

They will receive treatment from the ship's medical team.

The tests were carried out after two guests were diagnosed with the virus after leaving the ship last week.

It is claimed that neither guest showed any symptoms before travelling or while they were on board the ship, and did not visit the medical center.

Both guests who disembarked last week were travelling on a Caribbean cruise.

The "highest level of sanitation" is now in place aboard the ship - this includes the suspension of self-service buffets and increased cleaning around the vessel.

According to the cruise ship operator, the captain, medical team and senior officials continue to keep all guests and crew updated on board.

Braemar is continuing to sail to Barbados as planned and is due to dock in Southampton on March 28.

MS Braemar can accommodate up to 929 passengers and is on a cruise of the western Caribbean and Central America. The ship docked yesterday March 10 in Curaçao to allow the medical professionals to get samples for laboratory tests and also to resupply.

A spokesperson for the cruise line said: "The safety and well-being of all our guests and crew is our number one priority and we are taking the latest advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and World Health Organization, as well as Public Health England and Cruise Lines International Association.

Dr. Gerstenbluth also reiterated that the residents of the island were not at risk. The health department has taken the necessary precautions to deal with this issue and to give assistance to the passengers on board the MS Braemar.