New recommendations from a group of internationally recognized scientific experts aim to reduce the risks associated with the spread of the virus on board a cruise ship. Particular attention is paid to prevention, including measures such as testing of guests and crew members.
This week, the Healthy Sail panel presented its recommendations to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in response to the CDC’s request for public comments, which will be used to inform future recommendations in the area of public health and preventive measures related to cruise ship travel. Let us remind you that the group was formed in June by two holdings: Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
The group included internationally recognized experts in the medical field, including practitioners and researchers in public health, infectious diseases, biosecurity, hospitality and maritime operations, who drew on the latest advances in medical science to formulate their recommendations areas of public health, science and technology. The group is led by Gov. Mike Leavitt, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The Healthy Sail Panel Report is over 65 pages long and includes 74 detailed health protection practicesand the safety of guests, crew, and countries and cities into which cruise ships call. Recommendations include testing, the use of protective masks and enhanced sanitation procedures on ships and in terminals.
«Over the past four months the Healthy Sail Panel has been exploring opportunities for improving health protection and ensuring the safety of guests and crew aboard cruise ships,” commented Dr. Gottlieb. “We believe the group’s recommendations will help develop strategies for safely restarting cruises.”
Governor Leavitt noted: “This group conducted ambitious interdisciplinary research in the field of public health to develop standards and protocols , providing the highest level of safety during the cruise. We studied the industry’s experience in combating the pandemic, and then took into account the lessons learned andmedical advances over the last six months. The group’s recommendations are based on the latest available scientific and medical information and are intended to significantly reduce the health risks of people on ships.”.
“We understand the need to act uncompromisingly to protect the health and safety of our guests and crew, as well as cities and countries , which we enter. So we asked the group to help us figure out the best way to do it”,” Richard added. D. Fine, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group.
“The recommendations of the Healthy Sail group are reliable and comprehensive and reflect the careful attention that the group members paid to their work”,” commented Frank Del Rio, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “Guests expect cruise lines to provide the safest and healthiest experience possible, and the task force’s recommendations demonstrate our ambition.”.
Fine and Del Rio stated that both holdings will use the group’s recommendations to develop new detailed protocols that will be submitted to the CDC and other authorities. worldwide for review and approval, this is an important milestone in the process of resuming cruises around the world. The group’s work is open to other cruise lines and industries; Governor Leavitt and Dr. Gottlieb expressed appreciation that the authorities and other cruise lines had already participated in the group’s work as observers.
Healthy Sail Panel allocated Five areas that cruise lines should focus on to ensure the health of guests and crew and reduce the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19 on cruise ships:
- Testing, screening and reducing spread
- Sanitation and ventilation
- Prevention and preparedness for unforeseen circumstances
- Planning destinations and excursion programs
- Reducing risks for crew members
The Healthy Sail Panel has developed practical and actionable recommendations to address specific safety issues in each area. Recommendations include key strategies such as:
- Taking uncompromising measures to prevent SARS-CoV-2 from entering the ship through careful training, screening and testing both crew members and guests prior to boarding.
- Reduced transmission through ventilation system and improved sanitation.
- A well-developed program to combat infection on board the ship, including measures on board treatment, isolation, rapid evacuation and repatriation if necessary.
- Shore excursions under strict supervision.
- Increased crew member protection.
