A RUBY Princess passenger who contracted COVID-19 says she accepts the NSW Premier's apology but still wants answers from a class action.
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Gladys Berejiklian apologised on Monday for the suffering caused by "horrible mistakes" made by NSW authorities which led to the spread of the virus across Australia and overseas.
Her apology comes following damning findings by a special commission of inquiry into the ill-fated cruise which was released on Friday.
Blayney woman Lyn Davidson says she feared for her life after she contracted the virus on board the Ruby Princess, but says she accepts the premier's apology.
"It was a mistake and hopefully it will never be repeated again," she said.
"Whether or not they would have admitted it without an inquiry, we'll never know.
"The Ruby Princess should have let us know [about the virus] before we go off."
Commissioner of the inquiry Bret Walker slammed the "inexcusable", "inexplicable" and "unjustifiable" errors made by health authorities before and after the cruise passengers disembarked.
I think it was very irresponsible letting us off knowing we could have this deadly virus among us.
- Blayney woman and Ruby Princess passenger Lyn Davidson
The report did not recommend any disciplinary action and Ms Davidson says she agrees with this.
"I don't think you should lose your job over it," she said.
Five months since she disembarked from the cruise, Ms Davidson says she still suffers from debilitating fatigue and has undertaken a course of vitamin B injections to assist with this.
"It's physically and mentally affected me but I don't believe that someone losing their job is going to bring them back [those who died from COVID-19] or make me any better," she said.
Ms Davidson is among a number of Central West residents who are part of an upcoming class action into the cruise.
"I'm just hoping it all comes out in the wash," she said. "I think it was very irresponsible letting us off knowing we could have this deadly virus among us."
Health Minister Brad Hazzard and chief medical officer Dr Kerry Chant also apologised for the errors made.
The special commission of inquiry revealed the Ruby Princess outbreak infected 663 passengers and led to 28 deaths, including 20 in Australia and eight in the United States.
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Nadine Morton
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
