CLIA addresses COVID-19

CLIA addresses COVID-19
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has issued the following statement in response to recent developments concerning COVID-19 and its impact on the global cruise industry.
“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 COVID-19—and based upon prevailing guidance from global health authorities, including the World Health Organisation (WHO)—CLIA members have adopted the following enhanced protocols for ocean-going guests and crew who have recently travelled from or through Iran, South Korea and China, including Hong Kong and Macau.
“These enhanced policies, which are in effect as of 27th February, 2020, build upon those which were first implemented on 31st January, 2020 and focus on conservative measures, as the situation evolves, to appropriately and effectively screen every guest and crew member on every ship prior to boarding,” CLIA said.
These policies include –
• Members are to deny boarding to all persons who have travelled from, visited or transited via airports in Iran, South Korea and China, including Hong Kong and Macau, within 14 days before embarkation.
• Members are to 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 COVID-19, or who is currently subject to health monitoring for possible exposure to COVID-19.
• They are to 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.
“In co-ordination with cruise lines, medical experts and regulators around the world, CLIA and its member lines will continue to closely monitor for new developments related to the coronavirus and will modify these policies as necessary with the utmost consideration for the health and safety of passengers and crew.
“With strict measures in place, as guided by national and international health authorities, CLIA and its member lines do not believe restrictions on the movement of ships are justified.
“Importantly, the cruise industry is one of the most well-equipped and experienced when it comes to managing and monitoring health conditions of those on board, with outbreak prevention and response measures in place year-round.
“Furthermore, ships must be fitted with on board medical facilities, with shipboard medical professionals available around the clock, 24/7, to provide initial medical care in the event of illness and help prevent disease transmission,” the statement concluded.