Joint statement released from Central Coast lawmakers regarding cruise ship patients coming to area

Following the announcement of Princess Cruise Ship passengers coming to Monterey County, Congressman Jimmy Panetta, Senator Bill Monning, Assemblymember Mark Stone, and Assemblymember Robert Rivas have issued the following statement:

“Our number one priority is the health and safety of the residents in Monterey County.  We are working with our federal, state and local partners to implement any precautionary measures to protect the workers and surrounding community from the spread of COVID-19.  While we understand and empathize with the concerns regarding the virus, we want to assure you that public health physicians are working around the clock to ensure our community is fully protected.   Additionally, we want to thank our local public health and community leaders for their partnership in the coordinated California public health response.” 

Yesterday, the United States Department of Health and Human Services announced that the Princess Cruise Ship docked in Oakland, CA, will transport passengers to secured rooms in Monterey County, as well as to other locations throughout California, adhering to strict safety protocols.  These individuals will not have access to the outside community until their quarantine is complete.  For the most current information on coronavirus, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html