Cruise ship crackdown

The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced the extension of a No Sail Order for all cruise ships in American waters for 100 days, or when the public health emergency is removed.

In other words no ship sailings until July or disembarkations by anyone on board.  According to the CDC this involves 80,000 crew but has not given a number for passengers. 

Humanitarian medevac for individuals in dire need of life-saving support can take place and there appears to be some flexibility according to local port initiatives.

“We are working with the cruise line industry to address the health and safety of crew at sea as well as communities surrounding US cruise ship points of entry,” said CDC director Robert Redfield.  “The measures we are taking today to stop the spread of COVID-19 are necessary to protect Americans, and we will continue to provide critical public health guidance to the industry to limit the impacts of COVID-19 on its workforce throughout the remainder of this pandemic.”

In recent weeks, at least ten cruise ships reported crew or passengers that tested positive or experienced respiratory symptoms or influenza-like illness.   When the ban is lifted it will take at least seven days for ships to position to Europe for any summer programme.  See also last week's issue.  The Cruise Ships - Where are they now?

www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2020/s0409-modifications-extension-no-sail-ships.html

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