With the new coronavirus spreading, CLIA member cruise lines
have suspended crew movements from mainland China and will deny boarding to
passengers or crew who have traveled from or through China within the previous
14 days.
“CLIA and its member lines maintain close contact with
health professionals and regulators around the world, including the World
Health Organization (WHO), and are continually assessing and modifying policies
and procedures as developments emerge,” CLIA said in a statement in response to
the declaration of a global health emergency by the WHO.
“This includes the modification of
itineraries, where needed, in light of evolving circumstances, as well as
health, travel and contact screening where appropriate.”
CLIA said that the screening protocols would enable “informed
decisions” on a case-by-case basis about whether a passenger or crewmember
would be denied boarding.
Several cruise companies had already disclosed new boarding
requirements for passengers and crew.
For example, MSC Cruises said it was requiring all passengers and crew to
undergo non-touch thermal temperature scans. Carnival earlier had implemented
preboarding health reporting for all passengers, and temperature and
questionnaire screening for people from affected areas.
CLIA added in its statement that cruise lines conduct
passive and active screening of passengers and crew prior to boarding “when
circumstances demand” and that member ships are outfitted with medical facilities
and ship and shoreside medical professionals are available 24 hours a day.