The latest test results from the cruise ship Ruby Princess reveal half the crew tested for COVID-19 have contracted the disease.

NSW Labor is calling for everyone on board the ship at Port Kembla to be immediately swabbed to protect their safety and that of the community.

Yesterday NSW Health confirmed 88 people with mild respiratory symptoms or who are recovering from the illness were tested, and 44 were confirmed to have COVID-19.

The Shadow Minister for Health, Ryan Park, said: “This 50% positive test rate is staggering when you look at it in the broader context of a 2% infection rate in those tested across the state.

“This is a tragedy.  15 people from this ship have died.  That’s more than the Waterfall and Glenbrook train accidents combined  Those disasters killed a total 14 people, and both resulted in a Special Commission of Inquiry.

“There are 408 infections linked to the Ruby Princess in NSW alone. We have been consistently asking for everyone on board to be tested.  We cannot afford to be complacent.”

The Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully MP said: "the Berejiklian government must act now, I have already raised with the Premier the need for all the Ruby Princess crew to have access to testing and doctors. 

“To test all crew on the Ruby Princes is the responsible thing to do so they can either get the care they need, or know they have not contracted the virus for their own peace of mind.”