CDC Issues Order For Resuming Cruise Ship Operations During Pandemic
The CDC is working toward making cruise ship travel safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- By Nikki Johnson-Bolden
- Nov 04, 2020
The CDC issued a Framework for Conditional Sailing Order on October 30 that introduces a phased approach for passenger cruises to safely resume.
The Order applies to passenger operations on cruise ships that have the capacity to carry at least 250 passengers in waters with U.S. jurisdiction. There is evidence, based on cruise ships overseas, that cruise ship travel enables coronavirus transmission.
“CDC and the cruise industry have the same goal: A return to passenger sailing, but only when its safe,” said Mike Leavitt, co-chair of the Healthy Sail Panel. “Under the CDC’s Framework for Conditional Sailing Order, cruise lines have been given a pathway to systematically demonstrate their ability to sail while keeping passengers, crew and their destination ports safe and healthy.”
The Conditional Sailing Order will be a phased approach to resuming cruise ship operations. The first phase will involve implementing testing, quarantine and isolation and social distancing to protect crew members. Laboratory teams will be created on ships to provide information and oversee COVID-19 testing.
For more information on the Framework for Conditional Sailing order, visit cdc.gov.
About the Author
Nikki Johnson-Bolden is an Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety.