21 cruise passengers at Asilomar, location considered for future coronavirus use

PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. (KION)

21 passengers from the Grand Princess cruise ship are currently being quarantined at Asilomar Hotel & Conference Grounds, according to CalOES and California Emergency Medical Services Authority.

In a conference call with media and local leaders, the agencies said that one of the patients was hospitalized, however, they won't say if that person has tested positive for coronavirus. While they said that testing is part of the protocol when going into quarantine, they say state law prohibits them from saying if any of the patients have tested positive for COVID-19.

The 21 people are being housed in three small buildings that can accommodate up to 24 people. Pacific Grove Mayor Bill Peake said that he has been assured Asilomar personnel are safe and there is no added risk to the community. He added that there have been no reported medical issues in the area.

"This is a very frightening time for everyone," Monterey County Supervisor Mary Adams said in the conference call. Adams said she is pleased that people locally have "remained calm" about this situation.

Cal OES said that the patients at Asilomar should end their 14-day quarantine next week, except for people who test positive. Right now, KION is told all the patients are "stable."

Some of the passengers arrived to the Pacific Grove location from Travis Air Force Base near Fairfield. Cal OES tells KION that people who test positive for COVID-19 are unable to remain on a defense installation, however, they won't say if that is what happened with the people who were sent to Asilomar.

The Pacific Grove location is also among of a group around the state being considered to house people who test positive for COVID-19. People would arrive at Asilomar, if they have mild or moderate symptoms, to receive medical care. Cal OES and California Emergency Medical Services Authority say the reason for these locations is to free up limited hospital beds for COVID-19 patients with more severe symptoms.

The Parks Director is also working with the emergency and medical agencies to determine the future of the parks. Officials say they will supply support and resources to return Asilomar to normal.

This is a developing story.