New Swine Flu Screening Guidelines Aboard Cruise Ships

Having to declare various illnesses is nothing new to those of us who have been on cruises.  However, those who have an upcoming cruise may notice a few new questions.  For quite a while it has been common practice for cruise ships to screen for Norovirus symptoms before passengers were allowed to board the cruise ship, now swine flu has been added to the list. 

CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association)  recently announced that all 24 of its member cruise lines (which includes all of the major lines) have adopted new measures to safeguard the health of their passengers and crew.  Passengers will now be required to complete a questionnaire regarding the various symptoms of influenza H1N1.  Passengers who are graded as being a risk will then be screened by the ships medical personnel before being allowed to board the ship.  The only passengers who will be denied access will be those who actually exhibit the properties of the swine flu, all others will be boarded.

My Thoughts on the New Screening Process

I am really impressed at the swiftness at which CLIA and their member cruise lines have moved to get an additional layer of screening in place.  While we would hope those exhibiting symptoms of the Swine Flu would exercise the common sense to not risk the health of others, you can never be too sure.  Now, you can still ask the question what if someone just lies on the cruise questionnaire.  While valid I would have to think not many people are malicious enough to lie on a questionnaire meant to determine if someone was carrying a potentially deadly strain of the flu. 

Related posts:

1. Things You Need to Know About the Swine Flu Before Cruising
2. Should Cruisers Worry About The Swine Flu?
3. Precautions Against Exposure to the Swine Flu for Cruisers
4. Cruise Line Cancellations to Mexican Ports of Call
5. TIC Examines: The Carnival Cruise Alcohol Policy

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