CLIA blocks boarding to recent mainland China visitors

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) members have suspended crew movements from mainland China and will deny boarding to any individual, whether guest or crew, who has travelled from or through mainland China within the previous 14 days.

READ MORE: WHO declares coronavirus a global public health emergency

Following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of the novel coronavirus as a global health emergency, CLIA issued the following statement:

“The safety and health of passengers is the number one priority of CLIA members. CLIA and its member lines maintain close contact with health professionals and regulators around the world, including the World Health Organization (WHO), and are continually assessing and modifying policies and procedures as developments emerge. This includes the modification of itineraries, where needed, in light of evolving circumstances, as well as health, travel and contact screening where appropriate, for guests and crew who have recently travelled from or through the affected area consistent with prevailing guidance from global health authorities. Screening protocols allow for informed decisions on a case- by-case basis whether a guest or crew member will be denied boarding.

Importantly, the cruise industry is one of the most well-equipped and experienced when it comes to managing and monitoring health conditions of passengers and crew. Cruise lines take precautions to conduct passive as well as active screening of passengers and crew for illness prior to boarding when circumstances demand. Furthermore, CLIA members implement outbreak prevention and response measures and their ships must be fitted with medical facilities, shipboard and shore side medical professionals available around the clock, 24/7, to provide initial medical care in the event of illness and prevent disease transmission.”

What we know so far

Three cities in China are under quarantine: Wuhan, Huanggang, and Ezhou.

Hong Kong has limited travel from mainland China, suspending high-speed rail service and cutting flights by half.

Many airlines are cancelling flights and issuing refunds and halting service to/from US and Canadian and international cities. This includes Air Canada who, as of January 30, 2020 has halted mainland China service.

The Public Health Agency of Canada is working with the provinces and territories, and international partners, including the World Health Organization, to actively monitor the situation. A non-essential travel ban to China has been issued for Canada.

In the USA, the CDC increased its travel warning to a Level 3 Monday — its highest alert level — urging U.S. citizens to avoid all nonessential travel to China because of the outbreak.

Across Canada and the USA, both governments are implementing enhanced health screenings to detect travellers with a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing when they enter Canada and/or the United States.

The Canadian Government Global Affairs department is working to return the Canadian Citizens in the affected area of Wuhan, which currently includes 160 Canadians.

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!