WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — If you are preparing to board a cruise in the next few weeks, the world’s largest cruise industry trade association released new guidelines for travelers amid the coronavirus outbreak.
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Cruise Lines International Association -- which includes Carnival, Norwegian, Celebrity, Costa, Disney, Holland, Princess, Royal Caribbean and Celestyal – said Monday they are adopting "additional enhanced screening measures in response to COVID-19."
Effective immediately, cruises under the CLIA umbrella will implement the following measures:
- Deny boarding to all persons who have travelled from 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.
- 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.
According to their website, CLIA represents more than 50 cruise lines and represents 95 percent of global cruises and serves 24 million passengers a year.
CLIA said they will continue to closely monitor developments concerning the coronavirus and modify their policies in efforts to protect their passengers and crew.