The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its guidelines for domestic travel in the United States. The update is long overdue and could be a step in the right direction to resume the pace. There are also an update for international travel released at the same time.
Those who are fully vaccinated have the green light to travel within the United States, without any restrictions. This could be the sign the cruise industry has been waiting for, and we already know that the CDC will also introduce new guidelines for sailing.
Green light for domestic travel
It is now obvious that the return of travel in the US is all about the vaccines. The CDC updated his lead on April 2 for U.S. domestic travel. The CDC for a while only provided guidance for essential travel. That has now changed, and anyone who has been fully vaccinated now has a low risk.
The CDC says that “travelers who are fully vaccinated are less likely to get and distribute COVID-19.” This means that now no test is required to travel unless the destination requires it. Vaccinated travelers also no longer need to have self-quarantine.
Vaccines, however, should remain careful by wearing a mask, taking a 6-foot social distance, and washing hands regularly.
There is no doubt that vaccine deployment is a huge success across the country. As it continues, it should further relax the rules for travel.
A step in the right direction for sailing
How can this change the game for the sailing industry? This is definitely a step in the right direction, especially for those cruise lines planned for fully vaccinated guests only.
It can be a hint to get sailors working again. However, the industry is still awaiting further guidance from the CDC. Until this guidance came out, it’s all pretty much guesswork.
Also read: CDC issues new guidelines on resuming voyages
With the vaccination of the vaccine it will only be a matter of time, but there are some barriers. Domestic shipping is tricky because cruise ships have to visit an international port and it is even more difficult with Canada being very accessible to cruise ships.
For international travel, everything remains the same with test and quarantine requirements. The Caribbean Islands are ready and waiting for cruise lines to take the lead. At present, the CDC has adhered to the conditional sail order that is valid until November 1, 2021, unless the director repeals it.
There was increasing calls to cancel the assignment, and the CDC has already replied that new guidelines are on the way. What it is remains unclear. This could be phase 2 of the framework that was there announced at the end of October 2020.
It’s all evolving fast and Cruise Hive will keep readers informed of new updates on when cruises from the US may resume
