Uruguay navy move ill Australian couple from liner

An Australian couple was evacuated by the Uruguayan Navy on Wednesday from a cruise ship that had previously not been allowed to dock after more than half of the people onboard have tested positive for the new coronavirus.

The Uruguayan Navy said that the couple, a 60 year old man and a 59 year old woman were confirmed cases of COVID-19 and were evacuated to receive medical treatment.

According to the Uruguayan Navy the man is in grave condition.

Six people that were previously evacuated from the ship are in stable condition and being treated in Montevideo.

217 people have been tested on the vessel, 128 were positive for the virus and 89 tested negative said the operators of the Greg Mortimer ship, that departed on March 15 to Antarctica.

Australian passengers, and possibly those from New Zealand, are likely to fly home on Thursday or Friday on an Airbus 340 that has been refitted by the Aurora Expeditions.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and could lead to death.