CDC issues update on cruise travel advice
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its advice to travellers regarding cruise travel in the current climate, and so close to the expiration of the No Sail Order
Like many other viruses, Covid-19 appears to spread more easily between people in close quarters aboard ships and boats. Older adults and people of any age with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, chronic lung disease, and diabetes, are at increased risk of severe illness if infected with the novel coronavirus, the CDC wrote on 8 October. It urged people to defer travel on cruise ships, and those that did return from a cruise ship or river cruise travel should take extra precautions to help protect others.
The CDC 'After You Travel' advice page, updated on the 21 October, lists the 'extra precautions' that travellers should take. Those taking part in 'higher risk activities' - a category that cruise travel falls into - should take extra precautions to protect others for 14 days after travelling the resource states, including:
- Staying home as much as possible
- Avoid being around people at increased risk for severe illness from Covid-19
- Consider getting tested for Covid-19
These precautions are in addition to remaining six feet apart from other households, wearing a mask, and washing hands frequently. It's important to follow the guidance set out by the CDC in order to protect public health and safety. But will the CDC's updated advice put potential cruise passengers off travelling onboard cruises, especially just days before the No Sail Order is due to expire? As the US Department of State continues to advise against cruise travel, and as most cruise lines aren't actually operating voyages until 2021 due to prioritising the health and safety of the public, potentially the CDC's updated advice will have little bearing on cruise travel bookings.
No Sail Order to end on 31 October
In March, the CDC issued a No Sail Order and Suspension of Further Embarkation for cruise ships operating in US waters; the No Sail Order was extended on 30 September to last until 31 October.