RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Five workers on a North Carolina ferry route have tested positive for COVID-19, the N.C. Department of Transportation said Wednesday.
A news release from the department said the five employees work on the Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach run. The news release says the five employees are recovering at home under quarantine for at least 14 days. They last worked on the route Oct. 20.
The department also said seven other employees who were in contact with the crew have not tested positive, but are also under quarantine.
The Craven County and Pamlico County health departments and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services have been notified of the positive tests. The terminals at both Cherry Branch and Minnesott Beach have also been cleaned and sanitized since the positive tests. During the pandemic, all ferries have undergone frequent cleanings while in service.
All ferry crews are required to wear face coverings when on board, according to NCDOT. Passengers are strongly encouraged to practice social distancing and wear face coverings while on ferry decks or in passenger lounges.
Passengers who think they may have been exposed to the virus should contact their local health departments, NCDOT said.