NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- A crew member on the Navy hospital ship tested positive for coronavirus the same day it was announced that the ship would be taking COVID-19 patients.
The crew member is currently in isolation and did not come into contact with any patients aboard the ship, according to the Navy.
The hospital ship was originally going to treat patients not infected with the coronavirus but on Monday the reversal was announced
"There is no impact to Comfort’s mission, and this will not affect the ability for Comfort to receive patients," a Navy statement said. "The ship is following protocols and taking every precaution to ensure the health and safety of all crew members and patients on board."
It is highly likely that the crew member was asymptomatic, according to a report from ABC News.
A Navy official said that other crew members who had contact with the crew member have tested negative for the virus, but will remain in isolation for several days out of an abundance caution.Some of the ship's medical personnel will be moved to a hotel to improve social distancing.