Framework for Conditional Sailing Order for Cruise Ships
On October 30, 2020, CDC issued a Framework for Conditional Sailing Order. This Order is effective upon signature and will soon be published in the Federal Register.
This Order shall remain in effect until the earliest of the expiration of the Secretary of Health and Human Services’ declaration that COVID-19 constitutes a public health emergency, the CDC Director rescinds or modifies the order based on specific public health or other considerations, or
November 1, 2021.
Phased Approach for Sailing Resumption
Since COVID-19 is still a global threat, CDC indicated that a careful approach is needed to safely resume cruise ship passenger operations. They are creating a phased approach to mitigate the risk to passengers and crew, prevent the further spread of COVID-19 from cruise ships into U.S. communities, and protect health and safety. This approach will be implemented after the existing No Sail Order expires on October 31, 2020.
“During the initial phases, cruise ship operators must demonstrate adherence to testing, quarantine and isolation, and social distancing requirements to protect crew members while they build the laboratory capacity needed to test crew and future passengers," CDC explained.
Subsequent phases will include simulated voyages to test cruise ship operators' ability to mitigate COVID-19 risk, certification of ships that meet certain requirements, and a phased return to cruise ship passenger voyages in a manner that mitigates risk to passengers, crew, and U.S. communities.
COVID-19 Testing of All Crew
Within 60 days of the effective date of this Order, cruise ship operators must collect clinical specimens of all crew currently onboard ships and have those specimens tested in onshore CDC-approved laboratories.
CDC will provide guidance, including best practices for obtaining and transporting the specimens. They may also observe the collection of specimens remotely to oversee the operations.
Cruise ship operators will report the results in aggregate to the CDC.
Diagnostic Testing Capability for Symptomatic Travelers
(Crew & Future Passengers)
During this 60 day period, cruise ship operators, in conjunction with the CDC, must develop onboard testing capabilities for symptomatic travelers (crew and future passengers) for COVID-19 and close contacts. After the 60 day period, laboratory testing will be required of all crew on a weekly basis (or other interval as directed by the CDC).
All cruise ships must procure approved rapid RT-PCR point-of -care equipment to test symptomatic travelers. This is the preferred testing method over the less-sensitive antigen testing methods.
Onboard medical clinic staff must be competent in specimen collection, be able to use the equipment, follow manufacturer's guidelines, and have access to personal protection equipment (PPE) for specimen collection and handling. CDC will remotely oversee operations.
Shoreside Testing of Embarking Crew
On the day of land-based crews' embarkation, specimens must be obtained and immediately transported to an approved onshore laboratory for testing using RT-PCR equipment.
All embarking land-based crew must be quarantined onboard for 14 days. Those who test positive must be isolated until criteria are met to discontinue isolation according to current CDC guidelines. Once again, CDC may remotely oversee the operations.
Paramount Objectives of Order
- Preserving human life
- Preserving the health and safety of cruise ship crew members, port personnel and communities
- Prevent the further introduction, transmission, and spread of COVID-19 into and throughout the United States
- Preserving the public health and other critical resources of Federal, State, and Local governments
- Preserving hospital, healthcare, and emergency response resources within the United States
- Maintaining the safety of shipping and harbor conditions
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