Two U.S. cruise lines will require coronavirus vaccination testing before passengers are allowed to board from July.
The requirements, established by American Queen Steamboat Company i Victory Cruise Lines, they are part of the so-called “SafeCruise” guidelines that companies have set to keep passengers and staff safe during their travels.
“Vaccination requirements for both our guests and crew are the next most prudent step in making sure we offer the safest possible cruise experience,” John Wagoner, CEO and founder of Condé Nast Traveler, told Condé Nast Traveler the American Queen Steamboat Company.
The guidelines from both companies state that passengers and crew must be vaccinated against coronavirus from July 1 in order to travel.
The industry was successful as a result of the pandemic, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) docked cruises from March to October last year.
Both companies will resume cruises from April, establishing precautions against coronavirus such as masks and temperature controls, although the vaccine’s mandate will begin in July.
Companies said they are not concerned about the requirement, as many of their customers are older and are eligible for the vaccine. The crew is also eligible for the vaccine under the CDC’s Phase 1c priority system, as they are employees of a transportation company, both companies said, Condé Nast Traveler reported.
The United States has focused on vaccinating two of its most vulnerable populations, the elderly and health care workers, since the Modern and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines were approved.
The Biden administration has pledged to administer 100 million shots during the first 100 days of President Biden’s tenure while stepping up efforts to distribute the vaccine.
Public health officials, including the top expert on infectious diseases Anthony Fauci
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