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Cruises and the Coronavirus: What Travelers Need to Know Cruises and the Coronavirus: What Travelers Need to Know
(7 days later)
As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the State Department continue to urge Americans to avoid cruise ships, and with a ban on much travel from Europe set to begin on Friday, the cruise industry reversed course this week and began suspending sailings.As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the State Department continue to urge Americans to avoid cruise ships, and with a ban on much travel from Europe set to begin on Friday, the cruise industry reversed course this week and began suspending sailings.
On Wednesday, Viking said it was temporarily suspending operations of river and ocean cruises, for embarkations taking place between March 12 and April 30. On Thursday, Princess Cruises announced it was voluntarily suspending all 18 of its ships for two months; the company has canceled departures scheduled between March 12 and May 10.On Wednesday, Viking said it was temporarily suspending operations of river and ocean cruises, for embarkations taking place between March 12 and April 30. On Thursday, Princess Cruises announced it was voluntarily suspending all 18 of its ships for two months; the company has canceled departures scheduled between March 12 and May 10.
“It is our intention to reassure our loyal guests, team members and global stakeholders of our commitment to the health, safety and well-being of all who sail with us, as well as those who do business with us, and the countries and communities we visit around the world,” Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises, said in an emailed statement.“It is our intention to reassure our loyal guests, team members and global stakeholders of our commitment to the health, safety and well-being of all who sail with us, as well as those who do business with us, and the countries and communities we visit around the world,” Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises, said in an emailed statement.
Two of the company’s ships, the Diamond Princess and the Grand Princess, have been quarantined, with numerous passengers becoming infected.Two of the company’s ships, the Diamond Princess and the Grand Princess, have been quarantined, with numerous passengers becoming infected.
Also on Thursday, Virgin Voyages, part of Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, announced it would postpone the launch of Scarlet Lady, its first ship, to July 15 and reschedule the maiden voyage to August 7. The much-buzzed-about Miami launch had originally been scheduled for March.Also on Thursday, Virgin Voyages, part of Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, announced it would postpone the launch of Scarlet Lady, its first ship, to July 15 and reschedule the maiden voyage to August 7. The much-buzzed-about Miami launch had originally been scheduled for March.
“The current global health crisis is understandably making many people rethink upcoming travel plans. While there have been no health concerns on our ship Scarlet Lady, the Virgin Voyages team has engaged future sailors and travel partners as we all navigate this challenging moment together,” said Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Voyages Chief Executive Tom McAlpin in a joint emailed statement.“The current global health crisis is understandably making many people rethink upcoming travel plans. While there have been no health concerns on our ship Scarlet Lady, the Virgin Voyages team has engaged future sailors and travel partners as we all navigate this challenging moment together,” said Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Voyages Chief Executive Tom McAlpin in a joint emailed statement.
The cruise lines had continued to sail even after advisories from the C.D.C. and the State Department.The cruise lines had continued to sail even after advisories from the C.D.C. and the State Department.
“Recent reports of Covid-19 on cruise ships highlight the risk of infection to cruise ship passengers and crew,” the C.D.C. said in its advisory. “Like many other viruses, Covid-19 appears to spread more easily between people in close quarters aboard ships.”“Recent reports of Covid-19 on cruise ships highlight the risk of infection to cruise ship passengers and crew,” the C.D.C. said in its advisory. “Like many other viruses, Covid-19 appears to spread more easily between people in close quarters aboard ships.”
The State Department, in its advisory issued on Sunday, said that American citizens, particularly those with underlying health conditions, “should not travel by cruise ship.”The State Department, in its advisory issued on Sunday, said that American citizens, particularly those with underlying health conditions, “should not travel by cruise ship.”
The State Department also issued a Level 3 advisory, or Reconsider Travel, for global travel on Wednesday night.The State Department also issued a Level 3 advisory, or Reconsider Travel, for global travel on Wednesday night.
The warnings came after the leaders of the top American cruise companies met with Vice President Mike Pence on Saturday and agreed to work with the Department of Homeland Security, the Coast Guard and the C.D.C. to come up with new policies to help contain the coronavirus in the coming days.The warnings came after the leaders of the top American cruise companies met with Vice President Mike Pence on Saturday and agreed to work with the Department of Homeland Security, the Coast Guard and the C.D.C. to come up with new policies to help contain the coronavirus in the coming days.
At the meeting, Mr. Pence said cruise lines would enhance their entry and exit screenings, establish shipboard testing for the coronavirus, coordinate new quarantine standards ​for all ships ​with the C​.D​.C. and create a protocol ​for mov​ing​ any​one who got ​​​​the coronavirus or ​another serious​ ill​ness​ to ​facilities on land. ​At the meeting, Mr. Pence said cruise lines would enhance their entry and exit screenings, establish shipboard testing for the coronavirus, coordinate new quarantine standards ​for all ships ​with the C​.D​.C. and create a protocol ​for mov​ing​ any​one who got ​​​​the coronavirus or ​another serious​ ill​ness​ to ​facilities on land. ​
With some ships staying in port, what can travelers expect?With some ships staying in port, what can travelers expect?
According to a spokesman for Carnival Corporation — Princess’s parent company and the world’s biggest cruise company — the two-month service suspension will only apply to Princess sailings. The company’s other brands, which include Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line and Cunard, enhanced their health-screening protocols to include thermal scans and temperature checks before boarding and onboard, and were in conversation with the C.D.C., the World Health Organization and other health officials.According to a spokesman for Carnival Corporation — Princess’s parent company and the world’s biggest cruise company — the two-month service suspension will only apply to Princess sailings. The company’s other brands, which include Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line and Cunard, enhanced their health-screening protocols to include thermal scans and temperature checks before boarding and onboard, and were in conversation with the C.D.C., the World Health Organization and other health officials.
“This is an unprecedented time in the cruise industry and the world. We remain focused on protecting the health and safety of our guests,” the Carnival spokesman said.“This is an unprecedented time in the cruise industry and the world. We remain focused on protecting the health and safety of our guests,” the Carnival spokesman said.
Melissa Charbonneau, director of corporate reputation for Royal Caribbean Cruises, another big player in the cruise market, said that it was “staying focused on development of an aggressive, responsive plan, as agreed to during the meeting with Vice President Pence.”Melissa Charbonneau, director of corporate reputation for Royal Caribbean Cruises, another big player in the cruise market, said that it was “staying focused on development of an aggressive, responsive plan, as agreed to during the meeting with Vice President Pence.”
Traditionally, the cruise companies have set very strict refund policies, but they have loosened up in recent days, as cruise ships have been kept from entering certain ports, or, like the Princess ships, been quarantined.Traditionally, the cruise companies have set very strict refund policies, but they have loosened up in recent days, as cruise ships have been kept from entering certain ports, or, like the Princess ships, been quarantined.
Guests affected by Princess’s cancellations can transfer 100 percent of the funds to any voyage departing through May 1, 2022 — a move the company is encouraging by tossing in extra perks, like credits for onboard expenses. Guests can also request a cash refund through an online form.Guests affected by Princess’s cancellations can transfer 100 percent of the funds to any voyage departing through May 1, 2022 — a move the company is encouraging by tossing in extra perks, like credits for onboard expenses. Guests can also request a cash refund through an online form.
Updated June 16, 2020 Updated June 22, 2020
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Many other cruise lines, including Norwegian, MSC Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Seabourn are letting people delay their sailings, cancel within days of a trip or substitute another passenger for the one originally booked (usually a no-no). Policies vary by company and even by scheduled sailing, so travelers should contact their travel agent or cruise company.Many other cruise lines, including Norwegian, MSC Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Seabourn are letting people delay their sailings, cancel within days of a trip or substitute another passenger for the one originally booked (usually a no-no). Policies vary by company and even by scheduled sailing, so travelers should contact their travel agent or cruise company.
Silversea, part of Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., and Cunard, part of Carnival, are both allowing passengers on sailings scheduled to depart before July 31 to cancel as late as 48 hours prior. Additionally, for guests who keep sailings scheduled to depart before the end of August, Cunard will issue onboard credits ranging from $150 per stateroom (for one- to three-night cruises) to $900 per stateroom (for cruises lasting 15 nights or longer).Silversea, part of Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., and Cunard, part of Carnival, are both allowing passengers on sailings scheduled to depart before July 31 to cancel as late as 48 hours prior. Additionally, for guests who keep sailings scheduled to depart before the end of August, Cunard will issue onboard credits ranging from $150 per stateroom (for one- to three-night cruises) to $900 per stateroom (for cruises lasting 15 nights or longer).
Virgin Voyages is sweetening the pot even further. Passengers who choose to rebook rather than cancel will get a 200 percent credit that can be applied to another sailing, plus a $500 credit to be used onboard. Those who wish to cancel can do so without penalty; they’ll be given a full refund as well as 25 percent credit toward a future booking.Virgin Voyages is sweetening the pot even further. Passengers who choose to rebook rather than cancel will get a 200 percent credit that can be applied to another sailing, plus a $500 credit to be used onboard. Those who wish to cancel can do so without penalty; they’ll be given a full refund as well as 25 percent credit toward a future booking.
Holland America Line, another Carnival line, is allowing people who booked a cruise embarking between April 1 and Oct. 15 and who booked in March or April to cancel and receive a future cruise credit.Holland America Line, another Carnival line, is allowing people who booked a cruise embarking between April 1 and Oct. 15 and who booked in March or April to cancel and receive a future cruise credit.
Would-be travelers have been asking about refunds on social media. Carnival, in response, has been telling them that trips are not canceled and that, “While advisories are in place, we are open for business and look forward to welcoming guests who choose to take a cruise vacation with us.”Would-be travelers have been asking about refunds on social media. Carnival, in response, has been telling them that trips are not canceled and that, “While advisories are in place, we are open for business and look forward to welcoming guests who choose to take a cruise vacation with us.”
In recent weeks, many cruise companies have increased their health screenings and onboard cleaning procedures. Embarking passengers may face temperature scans and questionnaires about their travel and proximity to others who may have been exposed to the coronavirus. Cruise lines have also adjusted itineraries and kept crew members and passengers who have been in the hardest-hit countries from boarding ships.In recent weeks, many cruise companies have increased their health screenings and onboard cleaning procedures. Embarking passengers may face temperature scans and questionnaires about their travel and proximity to others who may have been exposed to the coronavirus. Cruise lines have also adjusted itineraries and kept crew members and passengers who have been in the hardest-hit countries from boarding ships.
Royal Caribbean said last week that if a passenger has a temperature of 100.4 degrees or more at embarkation, they have to undergo a secondary screening, which involves testing blood oxygen levels. ​A medical professional will then check the person for other flulike symptoms. The cruise line ​is encouraging people with chronic lung illness​es​, like asthma, ​to bring a letter from ​a doctor ​stating their normal oxygen levels. Anyone not cleared will be denied boarding and receive a refund.Royal Caribbean said last week that if a passenger has a temperature of 100.4 degrees or more at embarkation, they have to undergo a secondary screening, which involves testing blood oxygen levels. ​A medical professional will then check the person for other flulike symptoms. The cruise line ​is encouraging people with chronic lung illness​es​, like asthma, ​to bring a letter from ​a doctor ​stating their normal oxygen levels. Anyone not cleared will be denied boarding and receive a refund.
The new guidelines to be worked out after the industry meeting with the vice president are expected to be announced before the end of the week.The new guidelines to be worked out after the industry meeting with the vice president are expected to be announced before the end of the week.
In its advisory, the State Department noted that, “While the U.S. government has evacuated some cruise ship passengers in recent weeks, repatriation flights should not be relied upon as an option for U.S. citizens under the potential risk of quarantine by local authorities.”In its advisory, the State Department noted that, “While the U.S. government has evacuated some cruise ship passengers in recent weeks, repatriation flights should not be relied upon as an option for U.S. citizens under the potential risk of quarantine by local authorities.”
Tariro Mzezewa contributed reporting from New York.Tariro Mzezewa contributed reporting from New York.
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