THE Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns has confirmed the removal of cruise COVID measures, effective immediately, following advice from Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly on Fri. The withdrawal of cruise-specific measures was confirmed following a decision by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC). “This brings Australia...
THE Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns has confirmed the removal of cruise COVID measures, effective immediately, following advice from Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly on Fri.
The withdrawal of cruise-specific measures was confirmed following a decision by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC).
“This brings Australia into line with other countries internationally and gives clarity to cruise passengers ahead of the coming summer cruise season,” Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Managing Director Joel Katz said.
“As the last major cruise destination to maintain cruise-specific measures, Australia’s ongoing testing and vaccination requirements had been causing increasing confusion among travellers, particularly as measures on land and at airports had been removed.”
Katz said Minns had written to CLIA confirming the move, adding other states are expected to make similar adjustments in line with the AHPPC announcement.
“The cruise industry’s top priority will continue to be the health and safety of guests, crew and the communities we visit,” Katz said.
“Cruise lines will continue to abide by their own robust health and safety measures and hygiene standards, and the industry will work closely with health authorities into the future.”
Minns revealed to The Daily Telegraph last week New South Wales’ outdated COVID-19 cruise ship restrictions were set to be axed (CW 23 Aug).
More on the removal of COVID measures on page three.
