Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2020

2 4 MARKETWATCH Covid-19 summit outlines best practices T he Covid-19 pandemic has challenged the passenger shipping industry like never before. With cruise lines forced to halt all operations and ferry operators dealing with stringent travel restrictions, there is a need to adapt to the necessities of sailing in a post-pandemic world. A recent virtual summit hosted by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Carnival Corporation saw scientists share some of the latest thinking on how the virus spreads, and how it might be possible to bring it under control. “There are several hypothesised ways in which the virus can spread,” said Stacey Schultz-Cherry, a faculty member at the Department of Infectious Diseases of St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. “These would include respiratory droplets, aerosol droplets and fomites.” To prevent the virus spreading via respiratory droplets released when guests and crew talk, cough or sneeze, experts recommend that cruise and ferry operators reduce their ships’ capacity to allow for social distancing, install plexiglass barriers and ask people to wear masks. Meanwhile, to clean the air of aerosol droplets, passenger shipping operators have been advised to install new high- efficiency particulate air filters and ultraviolet lights, which have been proven to destroy pathogens. Finally, to ensure that respiratory droplets are removed from fomites – The public event hosted by the World Travel & Tourism Council and Carnival Corporation saw experts share the latest science as the cruise industry prepares to resume operations Cruise lines are implementing health screening procedures to ensure the health of guests Photo: Princess Cruises