Lawmakers want CDC to reinstate no sail order

Saturday, 16 Nov, 2020 0

Two lawmakers have urged the CDC to reinstate a no sail order for cruise ships after a Covid outbreak on the first Caribbean sailing for several months.

Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal and California Rep. Doris Matsui wrote to CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield asking to place a halt on the CDC’s Conditional Sailing Order.

Cruise ships still have to meet a variety of stringent conditions before they are permitted to sail again in US waters.

That is likely not until early 2021.

"As COVID-19 cases skyrocket across the country, it is unconscionable for the CDC to move forward on a plan to resume operations given the ongoing risks. While we appreciate the difficult economic situation cruise line operators face and the desire of many cruising enthusiasts to restore a sense of normalcy, the CDC must always put health and safety first," the letter said.

The lawmakers spoke of ‘disturbing reports’ that crew and passengers were not wearing masks aboard the ship.

"Unfortunately, this troubling development is not surprising and reaffirms the need to exercise extreme caution before sending passengers and crew back out to sea on cruises."

Last week the Sea Dream I small ship had several positive Covid cases among passengers, which cut short the Caribbean sailing.

The ship sailed from Barbados within the Caribbean and was not within the CDC’s jurisdiction.

Written by Ray Montgomery, US Editor

TravelMole Editorial Team

Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

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