More than 600 reportedly positive

More than 600 are reported to have since tested positive with coronavirus. At least 11 of the 35 Australian deaths so far have been linked to the ship.

Was Carnival Australia 'transparent?'

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said the question for investigators is whether Carnival Australia was ‘transparent in contextualising the true passenger-crew health conditions relevant to COVID-19' when the ship docked.

It has been reported that the Port Authority of NSW initially denied Ruby Princess permission to dock on March 18 following a call from a senior ambulance officer that some passengers on board were displaying COVID-19 symptoms.

Communications between Carnival Australia and NSW authorities resulted in passengers leaving the ship early the following morning.

Passengers left before test results known

This was before NSW Health had tested swabs that had been handed over.

‘There is clear evidence that COVID-19 has been brought off that ship,’ Fuller said.

Probe covers port authority, health officials and police as well

The investigation will cover the actions of the port authority, NSW Health, ambulance, police and Carnival Australia.

Police will also collect records from the ship’s captain and doctor, as well as information from departed passengers.

Ruby Princess, which has been sitting off Sydney Harbour, docked at Port Kembla Monday and was boarded by Australian Border Force and health officers to assess the situation.