The health situation is improving and Ponant is easing its COVID-19 measures.
As of September 9, the brand will no longer require guests to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test before boarding any of its fleet ships, the company said in a press release.
To board, guests only need to present a certificate confirming at least one of three scenarios:
• A complete vaccination regimen, including at least three doses of the mRNA vaccine,
• Two doses of the vaccine, provided the second vaccination is given within nine months of the planting date. Evidence of past infection may be considered one of these doses,
• One dose of vaccine or proof of past infection more than 2 weeks and within a maximum of four months at the time of landing.
The test will only be mandatory if required by local authorities. Guests will have the opportunity to take a test on board.
The same applies to wearing a mask, which is no longer mandatory for guests, although its use is still strongly recommended on board and ashore. The use of a mask on shore will depend on the requirements of local authorities in each port or destination. Ponant crew members in contact with guests will still be required to wear masks.
Finally, if a Covid case is detected on board, quarantine measures may be reduced depending on the ship’s doctor’s diagnosis of the risk of infection, the press release said.
Those diagnosed as low risk will no longer be required to automatically isolate and will be able to take part in activities, but under supervision and in accordance with guidelines to ensure the safety of everyone on board. However, if the risk on board increases, Ponant and the ship’s captain may have to reintroduce broader measures regarding testing, mask-wearing and quarantine. In all cases, Ponant said it would increase its measures to the level required by the countries visited, where they may be more stringent.
