CDC Extends No Sail Order

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is extending its No Sail Order for cruise ships through Sept. 30, 2020.

That order continues to suspend passenger operations on cruise ships with the capacity to carry at least 250 passengers in waters subject to U.S. jurisdiction.

CDC supports the June 19 decision by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) external icon to extend voluntarily the suspension of operations for passenger cruise ship travel until Sept. 15, 2020.

In line with CLIA’s announcement of voluntary suspension of operation by its member companies, CDC has extended its No Sail Order to ensure that passenger operations on cruise ships do not resume prematurely.

Cumulative CDC data from March 1 through July 10, 2020, shows 2,973 COVID-19 or COVID-like illness cases on cruise ships, in addition to 34 deaths.

These cases were part of 99 outbreaks on 123 different cruise ships.

During this time frame, 80% of ships were affected by COVID-19.

As of July 3, nine of the 49 ships under the No Sail Order have ongoing or resolving outbreaks.

According to U.S. Coast Guard data, as of July 10, 2020, there are 67 ships with 14,702 crew onboard.

The CDC says its order will 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.
• September 30, 2020.

The CDC says it will continue to update its guidance and recommendations to specify basic safety standards and public health interventions based on the best scientific evidence available.

For more on COVID-19 and cruise ships, go to www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/cruise-ship/what-cdc-is-doing.html .

To review the CDC’s No Sail Order, go to www.cdc.gov/quarantine/cruise