Anvisa requires vaccination against Covid on cruises

The collegiate board of Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency) approved the sanitary protocol for the resumption of maritime cruise activities. Only people who have taken the Covid-19 vaccine will be able to embark in the country.

The vaccines that are part of the PNI (National Immunization Program) and those recognized by the WHO (World Health Organization) will be valid.

Maritime cruises will be able to sail from November 1st in Brazil. The ordinance was published in the Official Gazette of the Union on Thursday (28).

Alex Machado, director of the fifth board of Anvisa and reporter on the matter, said that the basic premise for the approval of the protocol was the adoption of 100% of the eligible vaccinated people in the PNI. Except, for example, children who still cannot receive vaccine in the country.

For him, vaccination together with non-pharmacological measures begin to have an effect in reducing the number of hospitalizations and the number of deaths in the country.

“The vaccine does not protect 100% of transmission, but it is an important protection curtain”, assessed the rapporteur.

In addition to vaccination, the use of a mask is mandatory on board and in passenger terminals. Inside the vessels, the distance between groups of travelers must be at least 1.5 meters.

Every day, at least 10% of the people working on the vessel and 10% of the passengers will have to be tested. Crew members should be tested more frequently, especially those involved in food services and those who have direct contact with passengers.

To be able to board, travelers will have to present the negative RT-PCR test done up to 72 hours before boarding or the rapid test done up to 24 hours before. In addition to presenting proof of vaccination against the disease and filling out a form about the health condition.

According to the general manager of Ports, Airports, Borders and Bonded Areas, Nélio Cézar de Aquino, the activities of vessels and terminals may be suspended if any risk to public health is identified or as a result of non-compliance with current sanitary regulations.

“Cruise ships vessels are environments confined to an inherent risk of activities and we are in a scenario of few certainties”, he said.

In addition to the sanitary protocols, the Ministry of Health published on Thursday (28) the conditions for compliance with the isolation or quarantine of travelers and vessels.

Travelers on board a vessel with Covid-19 signs and symptoms should immediately seek medical attention, remain isolated from other travelers until medical advice, and undergo the Covid-19 test.

The traveler with a positive, detectable or reagent result must remain in isolation in a cabin designed exclusively for this purpose.