CDC lifts ban on cruises, paving the way for ships to resume sailing

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Friday that its no-sail order will expire on Saturday, paving the way for passenger cruise ships to resume sailing.

The CDC said it will begin a “phased approach" to resuming passenger cruise ships.

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“Considering the continued spread of COVID-19 worldwide and increased risk of COVID-19 on cruise ships, a careful approach is needed to safely resume cruise ship operations,” the order reads. “CDC is establishing requirements to mitigate the COVID-19 risk to passengers and crew, prevent the further spread of COVID-19 from cruise ships into U.S. communities, and protect public health and safety.”

The no-sail order was first established in March and extended several times.

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Read the full order below:

Check back and watch Channel 9 Eyewitness News at Noon for live updates on this developing story.

Cruise lines await CDC decision on “no-sail” order, set to expire A “no-sail” order for cruise ships issued by the Centers for Disease Control is set to expire this weekend, but it could be extended. (Charles Frazier/WFTV)

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