Passengers from Australia and New Zealand on the cruise ship Greg Mortimer will be evacuated on repatriation flights this weekend, after almost 60% of those on board tested positive for the coronavirus.

The ship is docked off the coast of Montevideo, Uruguay.

The passengers will leave on a medical charter flight to Melbourne early Saturday local time, according to a statement from cruise operator Aurora Expeditions.

The New Zealand government will reportedly organize a transfer from Melbourne back home for its citizens.

The cruise company’s insurance will cover the cost of the repatriation flight.

CNN affiliate Teledoce reported that 112 passengers will go directly to Carrasco Airport. They are expected to go through a sanitary corridor arranged by Uruguay.

CNN