The health department has clarified confusion over how COVID-19 positive passengers on board a cruise ship set to arrive in Melbourne on Thursday will be managed.

An outbreak on-board prevented the Grand Princess from docking in Newcastle earlier this week.

The exact size of the outbreak is unknown.

When questioned at a press conference today, Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said “it is our expectation that people with COVID, be they on a cruise ship or in our community, stay away from other people … which means, of course, staying on the ship”.

But the Victorian Health Department says all passengers, even those who are COVID-positive, can disembark.

“Cruise ship operators have COVIDSafe plans for any shore excursions, with passengers also asked to comply with any additional state-based guidance if they opt to disembark,” a Health Department statement read.

Press PLAY below to hear the confusing statements

Image: (background) Gabrielle Lurie/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images / (Thomas) Nine