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With new COVID-19 cases daily at the four-digit level, it seems odd to resume cruises here. But life must go on, right? – So here we are.
The ports division of the state’s Department of Transportation has just entered into port agreements with Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Lines for health and safety protocols. Included are evacuation procedures for passengers or crew in need of care, and accommodation contingencies if quarantine of passengers or crew is required.
Everyone on board must be fully vaccinated or test negative before boarding; cruise lines can overlay additional protocols. Although the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends against cruising at this time, it is not a ban. Let’s just hope omicron is gone soon to provide smooth navigation.
With COVID, Blangiardi has its limits
Mayor Rick Blangiardi has finally set a new limit on the size of gatherings – indoor venues with a capacity of 1,000 or more must cap admissions at 50%. In an announcement Wednesday, he also pledged the city to promote booster shots for the relatively large sector of vaccinated residents of Oahu.
This at least shows concern about the growing number of hospitalizations due to COVID-19. There have been clusters in specific large venues, but will this drag make a real difference? Time will tell us.
