An Analysis of the COVID Pandemic and Future Preventative Measures
It’s been almost 7 years since the COVID pandemic swept across the globe, and although life has largely returned to normal, we still feel the lasting consequences and, in some places, its impact on the way people live their day-to-day lives. So, what has been done to prevent the spread of another disease like COVID? Sadly, it is not a matter of if, but when another pandemic will occur. Although there is not a predictable cycle, major pandemics can happen at least once every century. One notable example was the Spanish Flu, that caused the deaths of roughly 50 million people worldwide from 1918 to 1920. (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019) After the COVID pandemic, the cruise industry has implemented protocols and safety measures to prevent the chaos that occurred as the disease quickly spread. However, these developments followed a period of considerable scrutiny, as some critics pointed to the cruise industry as a major contributor to the spread of COVID-19.
As the disease spread throughout the world, it seemed like the focus on travel restrictions was on cruise and cargo ships. Many of these vessels were stranded at sea for a long time as a consequence, with ports denying them entry for fear of infected crew spreading the disease to their countries. This kind of scrutiny was not seen as much with air travel. A few people felt that the cruise industry was being scapegoated for the initial spread of the virus. Jean Newman Glock, the managing director for Signature Travel Network, said as much in an online post, stating; “everyone is looking for a scapegoat for the plague we have been enduring. We are tired and weary, but blaming one segment of the travel industry, the cruise industry, without looking at the facts, does not help us develop policies and procedures needed to move on with our lives. I would argue the opposite. The cruise lines have worked closely with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and scientists to develop models we all need to assess and manage risks." (Jainchill, 2022) Despite the controversy surrounding the restrictions placed on cruise ships, the pandemic also prompted significant changes in how health and safety protocols were established and enforced throughout the industry.
In the US, during the COVID pandemic in late October of 2020, the CDC introduced a framework for Conditional Sailing Order (CSO), which was a health regulation that established a phased, risk-based pathway for vessels in the cruise industry to safely resume operations in U.S waters while reducing the risk of COVID-19 spreading among the passengers and crew. The framework introduced several health and safety requirements, including COVID testing, disease monitoring, and cooperation between cruise operators and port authorities. These measures were further developed throughout 2021 as the industry gradually resumed passenger operations. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020)
On October 25, 2021, the CDC announced an extension of the conditional sailing order until January 15, 2022, with modifications to the existing requirements. After the order expired, the CDC transitioned toward a voluntary health and safety program, allowing cruise operators to continue following recommended preventative measures. Although this voluntary program officially ended in July 2022, the CDC continues to provide guidance for managing infectious diseases aboard cruise ships. The experience gained from implementing these measures has provided valuable lessons for preparing the industry for future outbreaks.
A document was prepared by the CDC that gives guidance on the management of Acute Respiratory Illness (ARI) due to viral infection. Since COVID can cause acute respiratory illness, this document serves as a valuable resource for cruise operators seeking to reduce the risk of future outbreaks. Management of cruise travelers and ARI screening procedures are also explained and laid out in the document. It is a comprehensive source for companies to use as a tool as a preventative measure for future pandemics. (CDC Port Health, 2024)
The COVID pandemic exposed many vulnerabilities within the cruise industry, leaving both passengers and crew members facing unprecedented challenges. Although the industry faced considerable scrutiny during this period, the experience also led to important changes in how companies approach health and safety. Through cooperation with organizations such as the CDC, improved medical guidelines, and stronger preventative measures, the industry is now in a better position to respond to future outbreaks.
However, these improvements do not guarantee that another pandemic can be prevented, nor that the cruise industry will be spared from its consequences. What matters is that the lessons learned from COVID are not forgotten and that existing protocols continue to be reviewed and improved. While we cannot predict when the next pandemic will occur, we can certainly be better prepared for it. Ultimately, the goal should not only be to protect the health of passengers and crew, but also to prevent the uncertainty, hardship, and disruption that affected so many lives during the last pandemic.
References
CDC Port Health. (2024, June 27). Guidance for Cruise Ships on Management of Acute Respiratory Illness (ARI) due to Viral Infection. Retrieved from CDC Port Health: https://www.cdc.gov/port-health/php/maritime-guidance/guidance-for-cruise-ships-on-management-of-acute-respiratory-illness-ari-due-to-viral-infection.html
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019, 3 20). 1918 Pandemic (H1N1 virus). Retrieved from CDC Archive: https://archive.cdc.gov/www_cdc_gov/flu/pandemic-resources/1918-pandemic-h1n1.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, October 30). CDC. Retrieved from CDC Issues Framework for Resuming Safe and Responsible Cruise Ship Passenger Operations: https://archive.cdc.gov/www_cdc_gov/media/releases/2020/s1030-safe-responsible-ship-passenger-operations.html
Cruise Industry News. (2021, October 25). CDC Extends Conditional Sail Order Through January 15, 2022; Voluntary Program After That. Retrieved from Cruise Industry News: https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2021/10/cdc-extends-conditional-sail-order-through-january-15-2022/
Jainchill, J. (2022, January 3). Cruise industry feels unfairly singled out by CDC's Covid warning. Retrieved from Travel Weekly: https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Insights/Cruise-industry-feels-singled-out-with-Covid-warning