Cape Times

Cruise line ships play it safe with the outbreak

- STAFF WRITER

GLOBAL cruise line company MSC Cruises has taken precaution­ary measures for the health and well-being of guests and crew on its entire global fleet because of the coronaviru­s.

MSC Cruises has undertaken a series of actions since January 24, and due to the latest coronaviru­s developmen­ts it last week implemente­d additional public health measures across its fleet. There are no reported cases of coronaviru­s on board any of MSC Cruises’ ships.

“Guests of all nationalit­ies are required to fill out a pre-embarkatio­n questionna­ire to ensure no one who has travelled from mainland China or visited mainland China in the past 30 days boards their ship.

“Anyone who has travelled from mainland China or visited mainland China in the past 30 days will be denied access to the ship,” MSC said in a statement.

Mandatory non-touch thermal scans are conducted for all guests and crew prior to embarkatio­n for every cruise operated by the company anywhere in the world.

“Persons with signs or symptoms of illness such as fever (above 38°C) or feverishne­ss, chills, cough or difficulty breathing will be denied embarkatio­n. Guests who may have fever symptoms will be isolated in their cabin and the same measure will apply to their close contacts, including guests staying in the same cabin and family members, as well as any crew member who may have served these guests,” the statement said.

There is also elevated deep-sanitation on every ship in the line’s entire fleet.

“MSC Cruises has been closely monitoring the public health and safety situation in each of the regions where its ships sail,” it said. “The company has been consulting with internatio­nal and local health authoritie­s.”

 ?? African News Agency (ANA) ?? MSC Cruises has implemente­d measures to ensure the well-being of its guests and staff in light of the coronaviru­s outbreak. | ARMAND HOUGH
African News Agency (ANA) MSC Cruises has implemente­d measures to ensure the well-being of its guests and staff in light of the coronaviru­s outbreak. | ARMAND HOUGH

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from South Africa