Crew members on board the ill-fated Ruby Princess are pleading with authorities to test them so they can go home to their families.
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Personal trainer Byron Sodani, who lives in Italy, has not been tested as he doesn't have any coronavirus symptoms, however before he leaves the ship either by flying out of Sydney or returning to America on the boat, then he wants to be 100 per cent sure he is not infected.
The ship docked in Port Kembla last week so evidence for a criminal investigation could be collected. Meanwhile, most crew members have been in self-isolation from March 19.
Mr Sodani has kept busy through training clients via Facebook Live videos while confined to his cabin but is ready to go home, even though he may need to isolate with his family in Italy.
"I"m 99.9 per cent sure I don't have the virus but I want to be tested before I leave," he said.
"It is not my decision how I get home. It depends on where I can get a flight from whether that is from the US or from here. I will leave it to destiny and trust that what will happen will be best for me.
"I have been okay on the boat after about 30 days but by the time it goes back to the US then I might lose it on here. I will have to find a way to survive the trip."
He is not the only crew member who is speaking out. An Irish musician, Kate Heneghan, who is on board the Ruby Princes said she was "eager to get home to my family" in a Facebook post to NSW Labor leader Jodi McKay.
"We have been confined and self-isolated to our rooms for 23 days now. We would all like to get tested, and if healthy, get the chance to go home," she said.
In response, Ms McKay said she would "continue to call on the NSW Government to test all of you for COVID-19, then work with Carnival to get you home to your families."
Meanwhile, fellow Celtic performer Giselle O'Meara confirmed in a Facebook post earlier this week that she had tested positive for COVID-19.
"Although this seems daunting to hear, I believe I am over the worst of it and I'm on the road to recovery," she said.
"I am lucky to have only had a few symptoms (loss of taste and smell and slightly fatigued). I've had worse colds to be honest, but I am gaining my senses back and I feel my energy levels are back to normal.
"Keep positive guys because whatever the outcome, your mind is your main strength to keep you healthy."
Mr Sodani said there had been no communication or announcements concerning the ship's situation.
"Communication has been terrible and disappointing," he said. "I have found out information through social media and the media. We have a right to know what is going on."
Mr Sodani said it had been important for him to keep exercising, creating videos, training clients and speaking with his family rather than staying in bed all day in order for him to keep a positive outlook during the challenging and isolated time.
NSW Health said all crew members who exhibit symptoms are tested, however testing was not conducted on people with no symptoms as it may lead to a false negative test.
There are now a total of 140 crew on board who have tested positive for COVID-19 and in total 19 people have died across Australia after being infected with COVID-19 on the Ruby Princess.
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