CLIA Commends Carnival, Continues Ebola Watch
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) president Christine Duffy has commended Carnival for its successful disembarkation of a passenger on the Carnival Magic who was under self-monitoring for potential exposure to Ebola.
“CLIA is very pleased that the passenger, who was asymptomatic, has tested negative for Ebola and was safely disembarked with her loved one at the Port of Galveston, which is the homeport of Carnival Magic,” said Duffy. “We commend Carnival and the public health authorities for their effective and successful response in managing this situation professionally and with transparent and regular communication to everyone onboard the ship and to the public. We also congratulate all of the ship’s passengers and crew members, who responded calmly and responsibly to the directions of the ship’s officers and public health authorities.
“CLIA and its member cruise lines have worked diligently and in conjunction with public health authorities to develop and distribute to all cruise line members strong protocols, and additional guidance, to reduce even further the already low risk of Ebola on a cruise ship. These prevention measures apply to passengers, crew and visitors and include:
- Denial of boarding to anyone arriving from countries designated with a Level 3 Travel Health warning by CDC.
- Denial of boarding to anyone who traveled to, in or through those countries within 21 days before embarkation.
- “Contact screening,” in addition to travel history screening, and denial of boarding for anyone who had physical contact with, or helped care for, a person with Ebola within 21 days before embarkation.
“These measures are not static. CLIA and its member cruise lines are continually evaluating the situation with Ebola and are in regular contact with public health officials to assess the need to enhance the industry’s protocols. Out of an abundance of caution and care for the well-being of our guests and crew members, our measures typically go beyond what is technically required.
“We are also actively engaged with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with other sectors of the travel industry, to assist the Federal government in quickly establishing a robust protocol for identifying any member of the travelling public designated by the CDC for monitoring.”
