Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2020

2 5 objects or materials which can carry infection, such as furniture or utensils – ship operators are introducing enhanced cleaning procedures. As ships start to resume operations, widespread testing and the use of face masks will be essential to controlling the virus. Cruise lines are already introducing health screening for both crew and passengers prior to both embarkation and disembarkation. For example, Costa Cruises will test crew twice in their countries of residence and once more when they arrive in Italy, while MSC Cruises will test the temperatures of guests and crew daily. “Testing can be thought of as a therapeutic essential,” said Stuart Schreiber, professor of chemistry and chemical biology at Harvard University. “If we can test asymptomatic people, then precision quarantine can be used to drastically reduce the amount of virus.” Gloria Guevara, president and CEO of WTTC, said: “The summit accomplished exactly what it set out to do, as a platform for leading health experts and scientists to discuss the latest thinking. As the world learns to live with Covid-19, it is imperative that we continue to prioritise public health and saving lives, whilst restoring consumer confidence and saving the jobs of millions of people whose very livelihoods depend upon a thriving travel and tourism sector.” CFI Photo: AmaWaterways AmaWaterways has installed plexiglass screens onboard its ships to enable social distancing in lounge areas