CLIA Coronavirus Update 3

The global cruise industry has moved quickly and decisively in response to the coronavirus outbreak, and the measures put in place by cruise lines have ensured the health and safety of passengers and crew remain the top priority.

While the news cycle in the past week has focused on the difficulties being experienced in Asia, it is important to remember the vast majority of more than 270 cruise ships globally are continuing to sail unaffected, including within our own region – and with important precautions in place.

Here in Australasia we continue to work in close cooperation with local and national governments and health departments to ensure protocols are in place to facilitate normal cruising operations in our region, while ensuring the health and wellbeing of our passengers and crew onboard.
 
Like other areas of tourism we face significant challenges, but as a cruising community we have the opportunity to unite and reflect upon the resilience of our industry. We have many advantages in this region that work in our favour – including a large and loyal cruising public.
 
To keep abreast of the measures put in place by cruise lines, today’s update includes further information below including links to CLIA’s latest statements. We have also included some downloadable resources that may assist you to communicate some of these important messages to reassure your clients.

ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE CRUISE INDUSTRY

1. Given the evolving nature of the ongoing COVID-19, CLIA Members have enhanced protocols for ocean-going guests and crew.  This includes denying boarding to all persons who have travelled from, visited or transited via airports in China, including Hong Kong and Macau, within 14 days before embarkation, and denying 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 Coronavirus, or who is currently subject to health monitoring for possible exposure to Novel Coronavirus. For more information, refer to the latest CLIA’s statement and FAQ  here.

2. CLIA Cruise Lines conduct passenger screenings—including, in some cases, non-touch temperature readings—where appropriate, for guests and crew who have recently travelled from or through the affected areas consistent with prevailing guidance from global health authorities. Screening protocols allow for informed decisions on a case-by-case basis whether a guest or crewmember will be denied boarding.

3. Based on the latest available information about the illness, and in consultation with medical professionals from member lines, CLIA has updated its sample Travel and Health Declaration/Questionnaire to be used in conjunction with the cruise lines’ extensive experience in conducting pre-boarding health screening for guests and crew.

4. 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.

5. CLIA ocean cruise line member ships must be fitted with onboard 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.

6. CLIA and its cruise lines maintain close contact with leading global health authorities, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, the NZ Ministry of Health, the Australian Government Department of Health and others. Additionally, CLIA and its member lines remain in contact with port authorities and destinations around the world to ensure alignment on guidance and procedures.

7. In coordination with cruise lines, medical experts and regulators around the world, CLIA and its cruise lines will continue to monitor for new developments related to the COVID-19 closely and will modify these policies as necessary with the utmost consideration for the health and safety of passengers and crew.

THREE KEY HEALTH MEASURES ONBOARD SHIPS

1.  CLIA members have well-practiced, robust outbreak prevention and response plans, including procedures to provide care for and isolate passengers or crew, as needed, to provide for the safety and health of all onboard.

2.  Cruise ships frequently clean and sanitise facilities onboard.  AlcohoI-based hand sanitisers are freely available around the ship.

3.   Cabins are thoroughly cleaned every day, while kitchens, restaurants and other common areas are cleaned multiple times per day. After every cruise, crew members clean the ship from top to bottom to prepare for the next voyage.

Find out more about how our CLIA cruise lines ensure a safe and secure cruise ship environment here.

WHAT STEPS CAN TRAVELLERS TAKE TO PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM COVID-19?

Leading health authorities are urging the same personal best practices that are standard for a typical flu season, such as the following:

•    Avoid close contact with people who show signs of illness, including coughing or sneezing
•    Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
•    Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
•   Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available

KEY CONTACTS

Please visit the following websites for more information:

Smartraveller
Australian Government Department of Health
New Zealand Ministry of Health
World Health Organization

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