(TAN): The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the USA has announced to allow cruise ships to set sail again with a few conditions after months of extending its ‘No Sail’ order because of the Covid-19 pandemic, reported Travel+Leisure.
The CDC has announced a new framework for a ‘Conditional Sail’ Order that would allow major cruise companies to head out on US waters once again. Described as a “phased resumption of cruise ship operations,” the updated advisory will be effective from November 1. The CDC’s original ‘No Sail’ order was instituted on March 14.
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According to media reports, all crew members will undergo weekly Covid-19 tests and be provided with personal protection equipment as per the new rules. Vessels will reportedly undergo simulated voyages to “test cruise ships’ ability to mitigate COVID-19 risk [and] certification for ships that meet specific requirements.”
Ships also have to establish written agreements with ports approving of housing if a need for passengers or crew to quarantine arises or if a passenger needs to be evacuated to a nearby hospital.
Passengers will only be allowed back on to a ship when it has received its “COVID-19 Conditional Sailing Certificate.” Passengers will be required to undergo testing when arriving and departing the ship.
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Throughout the pandemic, cruise lines around the world have cancelled their itineraries throughout 2020 and have started to release dates for 2021. In recent months, cruise companies have implemented their own rules for future sailings including limited capacity, temperature checks, and mandatory mask-wearing.
