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The Wuhan coronavirus outbreak continues to haunt world tourism, with the death toll soaring at the weekend, cruise lines imposing stringent new rules and a senior Australian travel industry figure admitting the crisis has placed the tourism sector in “uncharted waters”.

Total deaths from the coronavirus outbreak passed 800 yesterday, overtaking the global death toll of the SARS epidemic. Hong Kong imposed a mandatory quarantine on mainland arrivals to block the spread of the respiratory disease.

The plight of the Diamond Princess cruise ship (quarantined off the coast of Japan, in lockdown with at least 64 passengers stricken with the virus) is making world headlines. Major cruise lines have now confirmed they will deny boarding to anybody who has travelled from, visited or transited via airports in China (including Hong Kong and Macau) within 14 days before embarkation.

Nearly 35,000 people have been infected by the new coronavirus strain, which has prompted China’s government to lock down cities that are home to tens of millions of people.

Tourism Accommodation Australia national Chair Martin Ferguson said the sector had entered “uncharted waters”.

“It’s too early to measure exactly how damaging this outbreak and the ban on travel from our biggest tourism market, China, will be,” Ferguson said.

“Our tourism bodies are doing all they can to re-direct resources to mitigate the fallout and ensure we entice travellers in new and existing markets…

“We face an uncertain road ahead, but we are a resilient industry. This… coupled with comprehensive preparedness and targeted investment will ensure we navigate the unpredictable times ahead together.

“The next 12 months will be a testing time, there is no doubt about that,” he told an industry gathering.

“But we will remain at the forefront of the policy debates, leading the advocacy efforts and making the key representations that produce practical and financial results for our members.”

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) issued the following statement concerning the Wuhan coronavirus and its impact on the global cruise industry.

“The health and safety of cruise passengers and crew is and remains the number one priority of CLIA and its member lines, which make up over 90% of ocean-going cruise capacity worldwide.

“Given the evolving nature of the ongoing 2019-novel coronavirus outbreak—and based upon prevailing guidance from global health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO)—CLIA Members have adopted the following enhanced protocols for ocean-going guests and crew who have recently travelled from or through China, including Hong Kong and Macau. These enhanced policies, which are in effect as of 7 February 2020, build upon those which were implemented on 31 January 2020 and continue to allow for informed decisions on a case-by-case basis whether a guest or crewmember will be permitted to board.

  • CLIA Members are to deny boarding to all persons who have travelled from, visited or transited via airports in China, including Hong Kong and Macau, within 14 days before embarkation.
  • CLIA Members are to deny boarding to all persons who, within 14 days before embarkation, have had close contact with, or helped care for, anyone suspected or diagnosed as having Coronavirus, or who is currently subject to health monitoring for possible exposure to Novel Coronavirus.
  • CLIA Members are to conduct preboarding screening necessary to effectuate these prevention measures. Enhanced screening and initial medical support are to be provided, as needed, to any persons exhibiting symptoms of suspected Novel Coronavirus.

“In coordination with cruise lines, medical experts and regulators around the world, CLIA and its member lines will continue to closely monitor for new developments related to the coronavirus and will modify these policies as necessary with the utmost consideration for the health and safety of passengers and crew.

“Importantly, the cruise industry is one of the most well-equipped and experienced when it comes to managing and monitoring health conditions of those onboard, with outbreak prevention and response measures in place year-round. Furthermore, ships must be fitted with onboard medical facilities, with shipboard medical professionals available around the clock, 24/7, to provide initial medical care in the event of illness and help prevent disease transmission.

Written by Peter Needham