Seven crew members on board a ship anchored off Western Australia's northwest coast have tested positive to COVID-19.
The cases follow those of two men taken off the bulk carrier, which has been anchored nine nautical miles off Port Hedland since September 16, on Friday.
In total, 20 Filipino nationals and the captain were on board the Patricia Oldendorff.
The seven who have tested positive have to remain aboard as they are part of a skeleton crew of nine to keep it operational.
WA Health Minister Roger Cook said on Saturday the crew members' symptoms were minor or non-existent and would be monitored.
It was expected the two skeleton crew who had tested negative for the virus may well contract it at some point, he said.
A police boat oversees sheep being loaded onto the Al Kuwait live export ship in Fremantle harbour, 16 June 2020. Source: AAP
Arrangements were being made for a replacement skeleton crew to be available if any of the current positive cases become too unwell to work.
The evacuated crew, including two other positive cases, are all in hotel quarantine in Port Hedland.
Mr Cook said the local community should not be concerned because "every safety measure is being put in place".
A rapid response team is being led by experienced doctor Tudor Codreanu, who also managed COVID-19 outbreaks on board the Artania cruise liner and Al-Kuwait livestock ship earlier this year.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. News and information is available in 63 languages at https://sbs.com.au/coronavirus
