The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) prolonged its US no-sail order to ensure cruising is not resumed too soon amid so many unknowns surrounding Covid-19.
Despite concerted sector outcry to recommence sailing, the CDC extended the order a third time to 31 October less than a week ago.
It did not return calls asking why it set the new date about a week after Cruise Lines International Association members and other cruise outfits delayed sailing to that time.
It did, however, disclose the reason why on Tuesday in documents produced by the US government.
"Because not all cruise ship operators subject to the No Sail Order are members of CLIA or have made similar commitments, CDC is extending its no-sail order to continue to protect the public’s health by ensuring that passenger operations do not resume prematurely," the CDC wrote in the Federal Register's Tuesday edition.
The CDC had initially planned to delay US cruising to mid-February, but White House intervention moved the date up to the end of this month.
No symptoms
It said more time is needed for Covid-19 education because the virus can be contracted without immediate symptoms, citing two crewmember cases in which one died in his cain.
"Covid-19 often presents as mild illness and many cases are asymptomatic among people of all ages," the CDC asid.
"When symptoms are present, they are nonspecific and similar to those of many other respiratory infections and noninfectious conditions such as seasonal allergies."
Covid-19 cases have also emerged on cruiseships that have resumed sailing, further underlining the importance of carrying out 14-day quarantines and following safety protocols.
Further, it is not enough to adopt new sanitation measures, implement onboard social distancing procedures, sail at 50% capacity and remove the self-serve buffet, the CDC added.
"While investigations are still ongoing, the statement by Hurtigruten’s CEO that the company failed to abide by its own protocols suggests a need for further education, training, and experience in implementing new health and safety protocols prior to resuming passenger operations in any significant capacity."
This new date for the no-sail order comes more than a week after cruise behemoth executives implored the CDC to end the order so that the industry can start earning money again.
As a result of laying up their fleets since as early as mid-March amid Covid-19, cruiseship owners have replaced billions of dollars in combined losses with billions in debt.
