- Cruise lines step up coronavirus screening measures.
- The cruise industry is committed to the health and safety of guests and crew, as well as the residents of port cities and destinations around the world.
- Modifications to policies will be made as required with the utmost consideration for the health and safety of passengers and crew.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), announced the adoption of additional enhanced screening measures in response to COVID-19, writes Nick Blenkey for an article published in Marine Log.
Enhanced screening measures
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), today announced the adoption of additional enhanced screening measures in response to COVID-19.
This decision clearly shows the cruise industry’s continued commitment to the health and safety of guests and crew, as well as the residents of port cities and destinations around the world.
What are the changes?
As a result of these changes, which are effective immediately, CLIA members are to:
- Deny boarding to all persons who have travelled from, visited or transited via airports in South Korea, Iran, China, including Hong Kong and Macau, and any municipality in Italy subject to lockdown (quarantine) measures by the Italian Government, as designated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, within 14 days prior to embarkation.
- Conduct illness screening for all persons who have travelled from, visited or transited via airports in any destinations listed on the U.S. CDC “Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel ” page within 14 days before embarkation. Illness screening includes symptom history checks for fever, cough and difficulty breathing in the 14 days before embarkation and taking of temperature.
- Deny boarding to all persons who, within 14 days prior to embarkation, have had contact with, or helped care for, anyone suspected or diagnosed as having COVID-19, or who are currently subject to health monitoring for possible exposure to COVID-19.
- Conduct pre-boarding screening necessary to effectuate these prevention measures. Enhanced screening and initial medical support are to be provided, as needed, to any persons exhibiting symptoms of suspected COVID-19.
More changes to policy
Medical experts and regulators around the world, CLIA and its member lines will coordinate with cruise lines, to closely monitor for new developments related to COVID-19.
Modifications to these policies will be made as required with the utmost consideration for the health and safety of passengers and crew.
Restrictions on the movement of ships
With strict measures in place, as guided by national and international health authorities, CLIA and its member lines, in concert with pronouncements from the World Health Organization, do not believe restrictions on the movement of ships are justified.
Industry’s ability to respond
Kelly Craighead, President and CEO of CLIA said, “The adoption of these measures further demonstrates the cruise industry’s unique ability to respond quickly as circumstances evolve.”
Kelly added that they remain in close contact with local governments around the world.
Boarding
These changes will result in the denial of boarding for some. Kelly said that travelers should understand that guests health and safety is the absolute priority for the industry.
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Source: Marine Log
