CDC sticks to its conditional sail order timeline

That Oct. 30, 2020 order has not been extended, as some reports suggested.

It always was set to expire Nov. 1, 2021, unless rescinded by the CDC director or unless the US declaration of COVID-19 as a public health emergency expired.

CNBC reported the CDC issued 'new guidance' that the conditional sailing order will remain in effect until November.

That's not new. It just means there hasn't been a change.

Reiterating timeline

Sources said the agency was only reiterating its timeline in response to calls by Cruise Lines International Association and the American Society of Travel Advisors to lift the conditional sail order by July, citing changes — like vaccines — that have occurred in the months since the order was issued.

UBS also interpreted the CDC's statement that way.

'We believe this just means they aren’t dropping the conditional order; rather they will still allow test cruises and a phased reopening,' UBS analyst Robin Farley said in a note. '... The response today is not a longer ban on cruising.'

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