Brazil health regulator alerts to requirements for boarding cruise ships

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – It presents the main requirements for boarding these ships, whose operation was recently resumed with the publication of the Interministerial Ordinance 658 of 2021.

With the resumption, ANVISA was charged with defining the health protocols for the activity, in order to reduce the risks of contamination and the spread of the covid-19 virus on cruises.

“All travelers should carefully observe the rules, documents and deadlines required for boarding to be authorized by the companies, which are responsible for ensuring compliance with the rules,” the statement reads.

According to the agency, at least 25 cruise ship passengers have been denied boarding since last Friday, November 5, for failing to provide proof of full vaccination against Covid-19 or for not meeting the 14-day period required for the vaccine to generate immunization in the human body.

This 14-day period is defined by the National Immunization Program as necessary to achieve optimal immunization. For proof purposes, the presentation of the National Certificate of Vaccination against Covid-19 is indispensable.

Also among the requirements for boarding is the obligation to present a negative RT-PCR type test taken up to 72 hours before boarding or an antigen test taken up to 24 hours before; and the completion of a form containing information about travelers’ health situation.

“This form must be submitted by all passengers, including minors and crew members. The person in charge of the vessel will assess the information provided and may deny boarding,” ANVISA says.

A daily testing of 10% of passengers on board and 10% of crew members must also be performed. “Positive tests may not be ruled out by a second test (counter test),” ANVISA says.

In addition, the vessel’s maximum occupancy is limited to 75% of passenger capacity; and the spacing on board must be 1.5 meters between groups of travelers (family groups or groups of people traveling together).

All crew on board should be tested weekly; and in suspected cases cabins should be isolated. The ships must also have their protocols previously approved by ANVISA, in addition to reporting the health situation on board on a daily basis.

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