CDC Wants Input From The Public Before They Lift Cruising No-Sail Order

by SharonKurheg

Well, this is new. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) wants to know what we think.

The CDC is currently asking for public input regarding the future of cruising. So they’ve put out a 28-question survey in the form of an officially published document.

From the said document:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announces a Request for Information related to cruise ship planning and infrastructure, resumption of passenger operations, and additional summary questions. This information may be used to inform future public health guidance and preventative measures relating to travel on cruise ships.

Public participation is encouraged. “Interested persons or organizations are invited to participate.” That being said, several of the questions seem pretty hard core and may or may not be beyond the scope of John Q. Cruising Public. For example:

  • Given the challenges of eliminating COVID-19 on board cruise ships while operating with reduced crew on board during the period of the April 15, 2020 No Sail Order Extension, what methods, strategies, and practices should cruise ship operators implement to prevent COVID-19 transmission when operating with passengers?
  • Should cruise ship operators test passengers and crew pre-boarding? If yes, what should the testing protocol be?
  • What steps should cruise ship operators take to prevent the introduction of COVID-19 onto ships after resuming passenger operations?
  • Due to the costs associated with seeking medical care on board, and the likelihood that sick passengers will be isolated and their travel companions quarantined for the remainder of their voyage, how should cruise ship operators encourage passengers to notify the medical center when they experience COVID-19 symptoms?
  • What benefits can be expected in terms of averted deaths and illnesses and how does this compare to the expected financial costs of the above measures?
  • Should cruise ship operators be required to designate a responsible company official who will accept legal responsibility for failure to implement measures to protect public health?

Responses can be given via their Federal eRulemaking Portal, or by snail mail. Emailed comments won’t be accepted. Heads up that all answers will be part of the public record and will be subject to public disclosure. You can include your name or not.

Click here for the survey and further instructions. The deadline for replies is September 21.

Feature Photo: Piqsels

#stayhealthy #staysafe #washyourhands #wearamask

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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary

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