Saturday, 31 October 2020 (YJC)_ U.S. CDC issues framework for resumption of cruise ship operations.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday issued a framework for a phased resumption of cruise ship operations after a no-sail order issued in March in response to the coronavirus pandemic expires on Saturday.
The CDC said it was requiring testing and additional safeguards for crew members. A U.S. House of Representatives committee is investigating if the White House last month blocked the CDC from extending the no-sail order through mid-February.
The no-sail order issued in March came amid a rising number of coronavirus cases on cruise ships. On Friday, shares of major cruise lines Carnival Corp, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Cruises closed up around 5% following the CDC order.
“Subsequent phases will include simulated voyages to test cruise ship operators’ ability to mitigate COVID-19 risk, certification for ships that meet specific requirements and a phased return to cruise ship passenger operations,” the CDC said.
The Cruise Lines International Association, which represents 95% of global ocean-going cruise capacity, said companies are “committed to resume sailing in a responsible manner that keeps public health in the forefront.”
The cruise industry has committed to “100% testing for passengers and crew prior to boarding, mask-wearing, physical distancing requirements, highly controlled shore excursions” and other precautions, the association said.
The CDC said in a Sept. 30 order that “cruise ships continue to be an unsafe environment with close quarters where the disease spreads easily and is not readily detected.”
The CDC said earlier that from March 1 through Sept. 28, data showed “a total of 3,689 confirmed cases of COVID-19 or COVID-like illness cases on cruise ships and 41 deaths.”
In contrast, Canada has extended a temporary ban of cruise ships with more than 100 overnight guests in Canadian waters until Feb. 28.
Source: Reuters
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