A river cruise ship has once again become a spot for a COVID outbreak - Thurgau Chopin (MS Frederic Chopin). As specified in a note from Stuttgart-based operator Nicko Cruises (a fully-owned subsidiary of Mystic Cruises), the riverboat has long been operated by Thurgau Travel, while Nicko Cruises deals with the cruise sales.
The outbreak erupted last Saturday, October 31. All 28 travelers were allowed to leave the ship in Potsdam at noon, as the health department classified them as "contact level 2". A crew member had tested positive for COVID without symptoms in the previous days but meanwhile, the number of infected rose to ten.
in a press release, Nicko Cruises stated that an infection had been detected in 10 crew, all symptom-free and in isolation on the ship.
"We deeply regret these circumstances and are in close contact with our partner shipping company to clarify how an infection could occur despite extensive hygiene measures.”
The protocols included “antibody and antigen rapid tests on embarkation, daily fever measurements, compulsory masks for walking routes, and distance rules.”