Following the US State Department, The Canadian Government is recommending that Canadian citizens avoid cruise travel. They are warning Canadians that they may not be repatriated to Canada if they choose to travel on a cruise during the Covid-19.
“Avoid all cruise ship travel”
“The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is recommending that Canadians avoid all cruise ship travel due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. Cruise passengers include travellers from around the world who may be arriving from areas with known or unknown spread of COVID-19. The virus can spread quickly onboard cruises due to the close contact between passengers. Older people and people with a weakened immune system or underlying medical condition are at a higher risk of developing severe disease.
Recent cruise ship outbreaks of COVID-19 indicate that a large number of individuals on board can become infected. While the majority of affected passengers may experience mild symptoms, there have been a significant number of cases requiring hospitalization and critical care, and some deaths have been reported.
As the situation evolves, many countries are implementing policies and restrictions in order to contain the outbreak. These restrictions may impact a cruise traveller’s:
- itinerary
- ability to disembark
- access to health care
If an outbreak of COVID-19 occurs on your cruise ship:
- you could be subject to quarantine procedures, on-board ship or in a foreign country
- the range of consular services available to those on cruise ships, in particular in situations of quarantine, may be significantly restricted by local authorities
- upon return to Canada, you will be required to remain in mandatory isolation for 14 days at a location determined by the Chief Public Health Officer as per the terms of any applicable emergency orders
The decision on Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease in Canada Order (Persons Not on Government Flight) is effective from February 19 to April 30, 2020.
Canadians who choose to voyage on a cruise ship should also be aware that they may not be offered the opportunity to return to Canada on a government-organized repatriation flight, or could be responsible for the costs of repatriation travel.
Government of Canada COVID-19 information line: 1-833-784-4397.”
British Columbia Health Minister also stated that BC is looking at pushing back the start of the cruise season from Vancouver.
Henry addressed the cruise ship issue at the B.C. legislature.
“We are very aware that the cruise ship season is coming up here in Victoria,” Henry said.
“My personal belief right now is we are in a very critical time around the world and it is my belief that we should be delaying our cruise season.”
https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/first-coronavirus-death-in-canada-announced-32-confirmed-cases-in-b-c-1.4844990
Make sure you check back for an update about BC and their cruise season.
See our latest trip report from San Juan to New Orleans post here.
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