Cruise Ship Experiences Coronavirus Outbreak During Its First Trip Back to the Caribbean
The cruise ship industry suffered another setback this week after seven passengers tested positive for COVID-19 aboard the first vessel to test out the Caribbean waters since the pandemic began back in March. Statements from media personnel who were aboard the Norweigian-owned SeaDream I at the start of the incident indicate that the captain of the luxury liner made an announcement regarding the outbreak to the 100+ passengers and crew on November 11th, 2020.
When the tourism and entertainment industry came to a crashing halt earlier this year, the cruise ship industry crumbled along with it. So when the SeaDream Yacht Club announced its intent to return to the seas to demonstrate that cruise ships and the coronavirus can co-exist, cruise journalists and travel bloggers jumped at the opportunity to witness firsthand the company’s newly implemented coronavirus safety procedures & protocols. According to reports from CNN, the captain of the SeaDream I announced on Wednesday that one person had already tested positive for the coronavirus and that the cruise ship would be heading to Barbados to dock and test the remaining 53 passengers and 66 crew members. Additionally, passengers were informed that if they received 2 consecutive negative tests, that they would be allowed to disembark from the ship and fly back home to their country of origin.
Although the exact number of people that have tested positive for COVID-19 has yet to be released, the SeaDream Yacht Club released a statement on Thursday to the media. “We are working closely with local health and government authorities to resolve this situation in the best possible way,” said Andreas Brynestad, a spokesperson for the company. It is important to note that since the SeaDream Yacht Club’s superyachts carry “fewer than 250 guests outside of U.S. waters,” it operates outside of the regulations and restrictions of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As the fight against the coronavirus continues to rage on, let’s continue to wash our hands, wear our masks, and stay socially distant and responsible. If you contracted COVID-19 and were recently aboard a cruise ship, please contact 877-FL-INJURY to schedule a free 30-minute case evaluation with the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A.
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James O. Cunningham
Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.
