CDC orders face masks for cruise passengers
The US government now mandates that all cruise passengers wear face masks to quell the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
By Michael McGrady, Maritime Direct Americas Correspondent
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that all travelers transiting through the United States are now required to wear face masks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The CDC published a new order to the Federal Register, going into effect on February 1, 2021, at 11:59 PM ET (UTC -5).
Additionally, the mandate covers travelers on cruise ships and applies to crew members.
“Requiring masks on our transportation systems will protect Americans and provide confidence that we can once again travel safely even during this pandemic,” mandates the order signed by Dr. Martin Cetron, director of the CDC’s Division of Global Migration and Quarantine.
“Therefore, requiring masks will help us control this pandemic and aid in reopening America’s economy,” Cetron wrote.
According to the public health order, passengers can take off their masks to eat, drink, take medications, and communicate, including breathing adjustments and individuals who wear glasses and other medically prescribed eyewear.
Like laws across the US, children under the age of two years are exempt. This is also the case for individuals with disabilities who cannot safely wear a mask or apply it.
Cruise Industry News reports that cruise line operators in Europe and other regions require masks in public spaces aboard the vessel.
In many cases, crew members also provide passengers fresh and disposable face masks to guests daily throughout the extent of a voyage.
In the maritime industry segment, masks are already required for crew members.
Applying the mask mandate to all travelers transiting through maritime channels helps companies, including major cruise liners like Carnival or Royal Caribbean, to resume regular voyages throughout the year.
