Four Filipinos on board a Norwegian cruise ship COVID-19 positive — DFA

Four Filipino crewmen of a Norwegian luxury ship have tested positive for coronavirus, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Monday, adding that 123 more are awaiting their test results.

"The Philippine Embassy is closely monitoring the situation and stands ready to extend assistance as needed," the DFA said in a statement.

Citing a report from the Philippine Embassy in Oslo, the DFA said the infected Filipino crew of the MS Roald Amundsen are being treated at the hospital.

The remaining 123 Filipino sailors on board the vessel were also tested and are waiting for the results which is expected to be out early this week, it added.

Earlier, a Reuters report said 32 Filipino crew were among 40 passengers and crew who had tested positive for COVID-19.

Reports said the ship is scheduled to sail around the British Isles in September, docking at ports in England and Scotland.

As COVID-19 swept across the world early this year, thousands of passengers and crew were stranded at sea or international ports.

Hundreds of Filipino sailors who were laid off by various cruise ships have been repatriated to the Philippines since February.

Cruise operators are hoping to lure back tourists while enforcing reduced passenger capacity and strict adherence on social distancing and hygiene. — Michaela del Callar/RSJ, GMA News