‘Although we found the alignment between the CLIA’s voluntary suspension of September 15 and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention no-sail order September 30 valuable, the global board of directors felt a further extension was prudent for a number of reasons,’ CLIA said.
COVID spike in US a factor
'The spike in COVID-19 infections in the US is, of course, an additional factor. We will consider a possible further extension on or before September 30. At the same time, if conditions in the US change and it is possible to consider short, modified sailings, we can also consider an earlier restart.'
This voluntary suspension, as before, is applicable to ocean-going vessels with capacity to carry at least 250 people (passengers and crew).
Small and medium-sized businesses struggling
CLIA's Kelly Craighead, president & CEO, said in a message to members: ‘We recognize and support all of our cruise line members who are working tirelessly to protect the health of passengers, crew and public in order to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. We also recognize that the cruise community is made up of tens of thousands of small and medium-sized businesses that are struggling to survive this difficult time.’
She referred to this week as ‘crucial in the United States' with Congress considering provisions related to extended unemployment benefits, expansion of the Payroll Protection Program and other relief measures important for CLIA rravel trade members and executive partners.
‘CLIA is actively engaged in supporting these efforts,’ Craighead added.
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