Cruise industry on hold

Federal measures to fight the pandemic have effectively cancelled Halifax’s 2021 cruise season.

OMAR ALGHABRA Recently the federal government announced that measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 will prohibit cruise vessels carrying more than 100 people from Canadian waters until February 2022, effectively cancelling Halifax’s 2021 cruise season.

“As Canadians continue to do their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19, our government continues to work hard to ensure Canada’s transportation system remains safe,” says transport minister Omar Alghabra. “Temporary prohibitions to cruise vessels and pleasure craft are essential to continue to protect the most vulnerable among our communities and avoid overwhelming our health-care systems. This is the right and responsible thing to do.”

The government is also urging Canadian citizens and permanent residents to avoid all travel on cruise ships outside Canada until further notice.

The ban doesn’t affect other passenger vessels. “Essential passenger vessels, such as ferries and water taxis, should continue to follow local public health guidance and protocols, and follow mitigation measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and prevent future outbreaks,” says the government press release. “These could include: reducing the number of passengers, ensuring physical distancing, the wearing of masks, and enhanced cleaning and hygiene measures.” Q