Following three positive Covid-19 tests onboard Commodore Goodwill and one suspected case, Condor is implementing changes to its operation to ensure continuity of the supply chain to the Islands.
The crew members in question were placed in isolation immediately as a precautionary measure and are well, so Goodwill operated a single call to Guernsey this morning and will sail to Jersey only tomorrow. The planned replacement of the entire ship’s crew is therefore being brought forward to this weekend.
Due to the rising cases of infections in the UK, both conventional vessels will become freight only and any passengers currently booked on Clipper will be switched to high speed alternatives from Poole and St Malo, that are being re-instated to provide passenger service. Condor understands the frustration travellers may feel in light of these changes.
The new sterile working environment adopted for freight will involve no contact with any person onboard or at Guernsey, Jersey, Portsmouth and St Malo ports.
Paul Luxon, Condor Ferries’ CEO, said: “We take our obligations very seriously, so in line with our new policy that passengers now require evidence of a negative result within 72 hours of departure, we have heightened our safety protocols. These changes have been endorsed by Public Health authorities and we can provide reassurance that the lifeline service into the Islands will be maintained”.
Passenger and freight teams will notify affected customers and clients and offer alternative departures.