USNS Comfort crew member tests positive for COVID-19

Posted: Apr 7, 2020 / 05:26 AM EDT

Updated: Apr 7, 2020 / 08:46 AM EDT

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. (WAVY) —A crew member of the USNS Comfort has tested positive for the COVID-19.

A Navy spokesperson confirmed to 10 On Your Side that the crew member tested positive on April 6. That individual has been isolated on the ship while receiving treatment.

The crew member has had no contact with patients, according to officials.

This will not impact the Comfort’s mission and its ability to receive patients, the Navy spokesperson said. She added, “The ship is following protocols and taking every precaution to ensure the health and safety of all crew members and patients on board.”

The USNS Comfort left Naval Station Norfolk on March 28 to help treat non-COVID-19 patients, providing some relief for New York City’s overburdened hospitals. It arrived in New York City two days later.

GALLERY: USNS Comfort COVID-19 medical relief mission in NYC

New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo announced on Monday that he spoke with President Trump, who officially gave the go-ahead to start treating COVID-19 patients on the hospital ship.

The Comfort has more than 1,100 personnel on board, including Navy medical and support staff assembled from 22 commands, as well as over 70 civil service mariners.