The Aruba branch of the Netherlands Red Cross Society took an active part in Aruba’s national response to the A H1N1 virus when the Cruise Ship ‘Ocean Dream’ docked there on Friday 19th June.
The ‘Ocean Dream’ had 3 confirmed AH1N1 cases on board and another 50 passengers were ill. The Red Cross was asked by the Department of Healthcare of Aruba to give assistance in the screening process of the passengers.
A total of 15 volunteers were part of this initial step and medical staff of the Ministry were present at all times for further verification. A second team of volunteers also assisted at the airport.
Volunteers had been preparing for the eventuality of an outbreak since the first cases were reported in Mexico and the United States in March and April.
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| Left Marieta Wanopa (Colonne Commander), right Michel La Haye (director) give last instructions before departure to the harbor in Oranjestad |
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Disaster Management |
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| Volunteers listen intensely at a briefing session. |
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| Red Cross volunteers leave headquarters for their special mission at the harbour. |
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| At the harbor site medics dressed in red along with 15 Red Cross volunteers stand ready to assist in the screening process. |
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| The ‘Ocean Dream’ arrives in Aruba’s harbor in Oranjestad |
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