Miami-Dade County mayor urges CDC to not extend no-sail order

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'Our cruise partners are confident that a resumption of cruise operations in the Americas can be done responsibly,' Mayor Carlos Gimenez said in a statement
Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez has urged the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to not extend its no-sail order for cruise ships.

The current no-sail order goes to the end of September.

In a statement on Saturday, Gimenez pointed to the Sept. 3 resolution of the Miami-Dade County Commission urging CDC to expedite and conclude any analysis necessary for the establishment of the public health guidance and preventative measures required to resume cruise travel.

CLIA's mandatory protocols

He also noted how Cruise Lines International Association subsequently adopted mandatory core elements of health protocols to support a phased-in return of service stateside. The elements mirror the protocols established in Europe where cruising has successfully resumed and 'go beyond all other industries in requiring 100% testing of passengers and crew prior to boarding,' Gimenez said.

Other elements include mandatory masks; distancing in cruise terminals, on ships and during shore excursions; ventilation strategies to mitigate risk, expanded medical capability and shore excursions that meet the cruise lines' prescribed protocols.

A demonstrated commitment to public health

'With the development of these rigorous safety protocols, the cruise industry is demonstrating its leadership and commitment to public health in travel and tourism,' Gimenez said. 'Based on the effectiveness of the protocols implemented by CLIA members in Europe and other parts of the world, and the core elements developed by world-class experts in medicine and science, our cruise partners are confident that a resumption of cruise operations in the Americas can be done responsibly.'