After a “limited number of positive cases” of Covid-19 were discovered aboard a Carnival Cruise Line ship, the cruise line announced an early implementation of a new fleetwide mask policy requiring all guests to wear masks in specified indoor areas.
Carnival did not immediately say how many positive cases were discovered aboard the Carnival Vista, which departed from Galveston, Texas.
Carnival said in a statement that the Covid-positive individuals have been isolated and that their close contacts have been identified and tested.
“Our pre-established protocols of vaccinated guests and crew, testing, enhanced medical capabilities and contact tracing anticipated the potential for positive cases, and they are designed to adapt to various scenarios,” Carnival stated.
The new policy, which requires all passengers, including those who have been vaccinated, to wear masks in specific indoor areas, was supposed to commence on cruises departing on or after August 7, but the positive cases compelled an immediate start aboard Carnival Vista Wednesday evening.
Carnival stated that the cruise will go as planned.
Vaccinated cruises, as defined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will continue to be offered by the cruise line. Both passengers and staff must be vaccinated to the amount of 95%, according to the CDC. The Carnival staff has been properly vaccinated, according to the company.
In addition to the new mask regulation, Carnival is requiring all immunized guests to undergo pre-cruise testing. Within three days before departure, fully vaccinated visitors must have a negative Covid-19 test result (PCR or antigen).
On August 14, the rule will take effect. Both of the new requirements will be in effect until October 31.
