Regional local governments say they have been left in the dark about how the outbreak of COVID-19 on board a cruise ship will affect its arrival in their communities.
The Coral Princess confirmed a number of its 2,000 passengers tested positive to the virus at the weekend.
Sick guests will isolate in their cabins for five days, but those who return negative tests can continue to access ship facilities and can disembark at destinations.
Arriving in Broome on Monday, the ship is on day 14 of a 28-day voyage around Australia and is due to arrive in Geraldton on Thursday.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn says communication with cruise authorities and government has been limited.
“The city has reached out to all the relevant state departments and are yet to receive any word on official protocols or what will go ahead,” he said.
“As of today, we're still expecting the cruise ship to dock. But as we watch what will happen with a docking in [other ports] that will be helping shape the way that we deal with this cruise ship.
“It's a matter of whether or not it docks at the Midwest port or whether it's simply anchored off the coast.”
The Coral Princess is due to dock in Busselton on Saturday, with Mayor Grant Henley saying he is also unaware what protocols will be in place upon arrival.
“I know there are protocols in place at a national level and also endorsed at a state level," he said.
"We would be following health advice in regards to the visit by the ship planned for Saturday.”
Sydney couple Robyn and George Prescott arrived on the ship in Broome yesterday, touring the town and visiting the world-famous Cable beach.
They said they were happy to be cruising again, despite the risk of catching COVID aboard.
"We have, over the years, done a lot of cruising. And we missed it. And this one we had planned for a couple of years," Ms Prescott said.
"But because of COVID, of course, like everything, you know, it's been put on hold. So, yes, so we're very happy.
"We have to wear masks on board all the time, except when we're swimming or eating, but no it doesn't really affect us, unless you get it."
Geraldton GP Ian Taylor says residents need not be concerned about the ship's arrival.
"People are not allowed to leave the ship if they’re positive, and I think the risk to Geraldton is really quite low," he said.
"The reality is most of these people will be out and about in the open air and the risk of actually catching COVID would be higher from a local resident than from someone off the cruise ship."
Geraldton’s Soul Food Café owner Pia Richardson says COVID-19 is already in the community and does not expect the arrival of the cruise will significantly increase the risk of her staff becoming infected.
"It is in the community now and people aren't particularly vigilant about it, so the risk is already there," she said.
"We might pick up a few [COVID cases]from the cruise ship ... but it doesn't worry me."
Carnival Australia president Marguerite Fitzgerald says onboard medical care is available and “strict and robust” health and safety protocols are in place to prevent further illness.
“All symptomatic guests are tested, and this has ensured early detection and protection of other guests and our crew,” she said.
WA Tourism Minister Roger Cook says all health protocols are being observed.
"A lot has changed since we experienced the Ruby Princess back in 2020," he said.
"We have a highly vaccinated population; we have a better understanding of the disease ... So, we will manage this situation like we manage any outbreak of COVID-19."
WA Country Health refused to answer questions about Geraldton Health Campus' capacity to manage a COVID-19 outbreak but said patient care would be a priority.
"As we have been doing for the entire pandemic, WA Country Health Service works closely with the Department of Health and is able to care for COVID patients when required," a spokesperson said.
A Midwest Ports Authority spokesperson says the Geraldton port is aware of the COVID-19 outbreak on board the ship.
