Cruise Ports Encouraged to Prevent Spread of COVID-19

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is present throughout the Western Hemisphere, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently issued guidance regarding cruise travel. AAPA encourages cruise ports throughout the Western Hemisphere to play a leadership role in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

In addition to the response from the U.S. CDC, many regional health agencies throughout the hemisphere are playing key roles in the COVID-19 epidemic. Additionally, the U.S. Coast Guard and local municipalities and law enforcement agencies have been important partners of ports. Respecting the significant expertise that public health officials and others bring to the disease response, we strongly recommend that ports support screening and quarantine protocols recommended or mandated by these agencies.  

The resources required to successfully implement screening and quarantine protocols will likely vary from port to port, and we encourage ports to be meaningful partners with public health agencies in implementing these protocols.   

Since information about COVID-19 remains very fluid, cruise ports and their partners are encouraged to plan for all scenarios and take necessary precautions to help contain this new virus.  

AAPA recommends that ports help limit and control the outbreak of coronavirus through the following practices: 

One of the most basic but important functions that ports can provide during this outbreak is following a clearly articulated, methodical procedure for regularly sanitizing cruise facilities. Sanitation efforts should occur continuously on days of cruise sailings. This includes deep cleaning of cruise terminals and close coordination with cruise line partners and port agents.

A sanitation protocol should include disinfecting high-touch, hard surfaces such as railings, doorknobs, countertops, outlets/charging stations and arm rests.

Ports should ensure that tissue dispensers (if present) and soap dispensers in restrooms are checked several times each day when cruise terminals are in use. Additionally, ample hand sanitizer should be made available to passengers throughout terminals.

Video monitors (where available) and/or signage should be displayed to remind passengers and cruise terminal staff to wash their hands frequently, as the CDC continues to emphasize that hand washing is the most effective way to contain the spread of the virus.

Ports and their partners should make cruise facility staff aware of the symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath) and ensure that employees are aware of the appropriate protocols for notifying supervisors and/or public health officials regarding potentially ill travelers.

AAPA and its member port authorities take the COVID-19 outbreak seriously and are monitoring it closely. We believe that it is critically important to ensure that transmission of this disease is limited and that those who have been infected are well treated and receive quality care. We take these actions to protect the most vulnerable among us, and we mourn for those whose lives have been tragically cut short by this pathogen crisis.