The Coral Princess cruise ship arrives in PortMiami during a new coronavirus outbreak, Saturday April 4, 2020, in Miami
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday lifted their « no sail » order on US cruise ships and set a framework for the resumption of cruising
As part of the new structure, cruise lines must demonstrate that they adhere to rigorous health and safety protocols, including extensive testing, quarantine measures and social distancing if they meet these CDC standards, first on a series of test crossings reserved for the crew, they will eventually be allowed to resume passenger excursions
The ‘no sail’ order was originally issued on March 14 for all U.S. cruises after it emerged that cruise ships played a major role in the initial coronavirus outbreak Ships have been remarkably effective in spreading the virus: On board the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan in February, each case of COVID-19 was transmitted to around 15 other people In Wuhan, China – the original epicenter of the virus – one person transmitted the disease to about four other people, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Travel Medicine
In September, the CDC recommended an extension of the policy until February amid reports of outbreaks on ships in other countries, but that advice was rescinded by a task force on White House coronavirus
Restrictions on sailings have ravaged the cruise industry, with companies reporting billions of dollars in losses as their fleets have remained idle in open waters or in ports In recent months, cruise officials worked to bring together teams of scientists and health experts to design comprehensive safety protocols that will get the cruise back, and they gave the CDC a long list of suggestions
On Friday, the CDC said the benefits of the new framework outweighed the costs of not allowing cruise ships to navigate, providing flexibility for companies that have taken the necessary precautions to mitigate the risk, while still continuing to prohibit operations to those who do not implement the necessary measures
The first ships to navigate US waters will be simulated voyages designed to test a ship’s abilities to implement health and safety protocols and prove the cruise line’s ability to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 on board
Cruise lines will not be allowed to begin passenger operations until they meet all requirements and obtain a conditional COVID-19 navigation certificate issued by the CDC
The biggest cruise lines including Carnival, Royal Caribbean and MSC canceled their cruises until the end of November Last month Carnival canceled all of its 2020 cruises except those between Miami and Port Canaveral, Florida, scheduled to restart in December
Ships to perform rapid laboratory tests on all passengers and crew on embarkation day and disembarkation day Onboard testing capabilities will be developed in coordination with CDC to test all travelers symptomatic, including crew members and future passengers
As part of the new order, cruise ship operators must adhere to standards of hand hygiene, face coverings and social distancing for passengers and crew as well as ship hygiene. meal services and entertainment venues will be changed to ensure the implementation of physical distancing
For test cruises, the CDC has said masks are one of the measures that « may be required by CDC instructions or technical orders, » but it does not specify where and when they might be. required The use of masks was included among suggestions from industry leaders at CDC
Passengers who test positive for COVID-19 before boarding a cruise ship will not be allowed to board Those who test positive on board a ship will be isolated and then transferred to a dedicated onshore facility All remaining passengers and non-essential crew will also be required to self-quarantine In the spring, some passengers have spent weeks confined to their cabins after cases emerged on their cruises
Cruise operators must have the appropriate medical equipment, expertise and training to treat critically ill passengers who contract COVID-19 on board until they can be transferred safely. security to onshore medical facilities
Initially, shore excursions will be tightly controlled and limited to private and domestic destinations Cruise operators are developing protocols to screen vendors for shore excursions to ensure they are following health protocols and measures applied on board ships Measures include physical distancing, sanitation, personal protective equipment, screening and training of personnel
During a recent cruise on the Costa Diadema, a ship owned by the Carnival Corp’s Italian cruise operation, cases arose despite testing after passengers took shore excursions to the Greek islands. were asymptomatic and tested positive on their return to Italy
Under new CDC requirements, cruise ships will not be allowed to sail with an itinerary that lasts longer than seven days This period may be shortened or lengthened based on public health considerations
Cruise ship, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
World news – CA – Cruise ships can sail again, with strict rules Here’s what you need to know