The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has issued cruise lines with fresh warnings around passenger boarding amidst the coronavirus.
The outbreak has already seen cruise lines forced to cancel sailings, re-route ships and one Princess Cruises ship has been quarantined after 61 passengers tested positive for the virus.
Now, CLIA is warning cruise lines to ensure they conduct pre-boarding screenings for coronavirus - and deny boarding to passengers who have travelled from or transited through China, where the outbreak first occurred.
The cruise industry body has issued three main guidelines for its members:
- Deny boarding to all persons who have traveled from, visited or transited via airports in China, including Hong Kong and Macau, within 14 days before embarkation.
- Deny boarding to all persons who, within 14 days before embarkation, have had close contact with, or helped care for, anyone suspected or diagnosed as having Coronavirus, or who is currently subject to health monitoring for possible exposure to Novel Coronavirus.
- Conduct preboarding 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 Novel Coronavirus.
The new policies are being implemented with immediate effect, although the association did add that it leaves room for cruise lines to make "informed decisions on a case-by-case basis whether a guest or crew member will be permitted to board."
It said that it would continue to work with cruise lines as well as medical experts and regulators in case the guidelines would need to be further updated.
As part of its statement issued to its members, CLIA explained: "The health and safety of cruise passengers and crew is and remains the number one priority of CLIA and its member lines, which make up over 90% of ocean-going cruise capacity worldwide.
"Given the evolving nature of the ongoing 2019-novel coronavirus outbreak—and based upon prevailing guidance from global health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO)—CLIA Members have adopted the following enhanced protocols for ocean-going guests and crew who have recently traveled from or through China, including Hong Kong and Macau."
