Five positive COVID-19 tests reported among Neuse River ferry staff

Published 2:29 pm Wednesday, October 21, 2020

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has reported that five employees on the Neuse River ferry route between Cherry Branch and Minnesott Beach have tested positive for COVID-19.

The five employees are recovering at home under quarantine for at least 14 days, according to NCDOT. They last worked on the route Oct. 20. Seven other employees that 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.

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NCDOT reports that theĀ M/V Neuse, which currently runs the Pamlico River route, has been cleaned extensively using COVID-19 procedures. 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.

Service on the Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach ferry route has not been affected, according to NCDOT. All ferry crews are required to wear face coverings when on board, while 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, advised NCDOT.

READ MORE IN OUR ON THE WATER SECTION HERE.