Over 300 migrants arrive at Italian port, health tests boosted

AFP, 02ND FEBRUARY, 2020 - Over 300 migrants rescued from the Mediterranean by a charity vessel disembarked at the Italian port of Pozzallo on Sunday after a week’s wait for a port of entry.

The 363 migrants, rescued in five different operations since January 27 by the Spanish charity ship, Open Arms, had been onboard awaiting permission to dock at a European port after Malta denied them entry.

“Moments of joy after so much suffering. The 363 people on board our ship have learned they can disembark. The voyage continues in Europe. Good luck,” wrote the charity, Proactiva Open Arms, on Twitter.

Video images released by the charity showed workers from the health ministry in masks and white protective suits taking migrants’ temperatures as they descended the gangplank at the Sicilian port. Health protocols were more stringent after Italy on Friday declared a state of emergency to fight transmission of a new coronavirus.

Two Chinese tourists are in quarantine in a Rome hospital after having tested positive for the virus, the spread of which the World Health Organization has called an international public health emergency.

The head of the regional health agency, Raffaele Elia, said three different controls were performed, the first on board, and the following two after disembarkation. most of the migrants had been in Libya for more than 14 days - the virus’ incubation period - before their departure.

The 363 migrants, rescued in five different operations since January 27 by the Spanish charity ship