San Carlos Confronts Concerns On Housing Cruise Passengers

SAN CARLOS, CA — San Carlos officials answered some questions residents might have following an announcement by state officials Wednesday that some passengers from the Grand Princess cruise ship, which was carrying people with the coronavirus, will temporarily stay at a San Carlos hotel.

City officials said in a statement Thursday that it was "highly unexpected" that the passengers would be arriving in San Carlos.

They're staying at Fairfield Inn and Suites at 555 Skyway Road, right next to the San Carlos Airport.

The passengers are Americans who have been screened by medical professionals and have mild symptoms of coronavirus, though none were confirmed to have contracted the virus as of Thursday.

They will be released after a minimum quarantine of 14 days if they test negative for the virus twice.

All information regarding the quarantined passengers is located at the city's website, and the city said it will share updates in a timely manner as the situation develops.

"San Carlos did not seek this role, nevertheless, we find ourselves in the position to temporarily house patients, stranded far from home and isolated," the city's statement said.

"And so it is our duty, not just as San Carlans but as fellow human beings, to embrace our core principles of fostering a safe, welcoming, inclusive community that values family, diversity, and safety."

According to the city, the proximity of San Carlos to multiple airports, including San Francisco International Airport and Oakland International Airport, was a deciding factor in hosting the passengers at the hotel.

This will make it easier for passengers to return home after testing negative.

The city said the hotel will rely on state services instead of local 911 or emergency services during their stay.

The passengers are not being taken to a military base because bases are considered a "first-level" response for people without symptoms, according to the city.

The Grand Princess arrived at the Port of Oakland on Monday carrying more than 3,500 passengers and crew members, including 21 who had tested positive for coronavirus.

Of the cruise ship passengers, over 650 were taken to Travis Air Force Base near Fairfield and the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego for 14-day quarantines.

"As your city officials, we pledge to protect our community as we serve as host of a designated site assigned by the State and Federal governments to provide shelter and a safe haven for those currently in a much less fortunate situation than we," city officials said.

"We hope that you will join us in welcoming and be accepting of those in need." The full list of questions is available at the city's website.

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