There's A COVID-19 Outbreak, United States Health Authorities Investigate More Than 70 Cruise Ships

Illustration of the Odyssey of the Seas cruise ship. (Wikimedia Commons/MichaelBrandSagurna)

JAKARTA - The spike in cases of COVID-19 infection has resulted in at least four cruise ships being denied docking, or prohibited from allowing their guests to disembark in the United States (US) this week.

Citing Sputnik News on December 28, this number represents a fraction of the cruise ships operating in the area during this month.

As variants of the Omicron spiked over the Christmas weekend, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced Monday it was investigating more than 70 cruise ships following reports of cases of COVID-19 infection.

According to an updated table dividing cruise ships by color from those completely free of COVID-19 cases and those requiring immediate public health action, the COVID-19 cases on 68 ships have met the CDC threshold for investigation.

In the table, most of the ships from which infection cases have been reported are Carnival Corporation (40 ships), most of which the CDC initiates investigations. Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean Group vessels represent the second largest fleet affected by COVID-19 (33 vessels).

Last week, Symphony of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas, both operated by Royal Caribbean, reported dozens of positive COVID-19 infections among their vaccinated crew and passengers.

The initial discovery, according to cruise lines operating in Florida ports, was supposed to limit the spread of the infectious disease and allow other passengers to enjoy a normal, almost normal voyage.

Illustration of the Symphony of The Seas cruise ship. (Wikimedia Commons/Darthvadrouw)

Although there have been cases on other cruises since the US-based vessel resumed service this summer, with vaccine requirements and other precautions to prevent an outbreak, the number of cruise ships forced to change their itineraries has increased, according to US media reports.

The current cruise delays are a long way from March 2020, when the pandemic shut down the sector completely and resulted in weeks of trying to send passengers and crew members home, after ports were closed to virus-hit ships.

To avoid a repeat of the spring 2020 situation, shipping lines are enacting several health and safety measures on board in accordance with the CDC's Framework for Conditional Sailing Orders for Cruise Ships, which are revised as the situation changes.

Vaccination against the virus is now required for crew members and passengers. Prior to embarking on a cruise, most cruise lines require guests to test negative for COVID-19, and their crew to be tested regularly.

Masks are also required to be worn in public places on cruises departing from the US. These regulations were recently amended to require fully vaccinated travelers to wear masks indoors.

Regarding the Omicron variant, apart from cruise ships, the fate of US airlines and related companies is also affected. According to a separate Reuters report, more than 800 flights were canceled within, into or out of the US on Monday.

Additionally, nearly 3.000 flights were reportedly canceled over the Christmas holiday weekend, traditionally a busy travel period for Americans.