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Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that the No Sail Order for cruise ships that went into effect in March has been extended. More specifically, the order halts cruise ship operations in waters in which the United States has jurisdiction, and it requires them to create a detailed operational plan that addresses the Coronavirus pandemic by using maritime-focused solutions. The plan, which should work to help prevent, mitigate, and respond to the spread of COVID-19, must be approved by CDC and the US Coast Guard. 

In a recent statement, CDC Director Robert Redfield said, “The measures we are taking today to stop the spread of COVID-19 are necessary to protect Americans, and we will continue to provide critical public health guidance to the industry to limit the impacts of COVID-19 on its workforce throughout the remainder of this pandemic.” 

Currently, there are at least 10 cruise ships that have crew members or passengers that have tested positive or experienced respiratory symptoms or flu-like illnesses. Additionally, there are close to 100 cruise ships remaining at sea, with approximately 80,000 crew onboard. The CDC is aware of 20 cruise ships that are either in port or anchored in the US with known or suspected COVID-19 infections among the crew members who are still onboard.

1,500+ People on Carnival Cruise Ships Have Been Diagnosed With COVID-19 and Dozens Have Died

Several cruise lines have helped fuel the COVID-19 crisis, but no cruise operator has had more of a significantly negative impact than Carnival. Carnival Cruise Line executives are under fire for letting ships set sail, despite the potential danger that the Coronavirus posed to passengers and crew. Bloomberg reported that COVID-19 spread to more than 1,500 passengers and crew on Carnival ships and that the company did not take the proper safety precautions until it was too late.

Former passengers are suing Carnival for knowingly exposing them to the virus. One case in particular involved a couple from Texas who boarded a Princess Cruise Line ship on February 21. The man became ill while onboard and later died from Coronavirus complications. According to the couple’s lawyer, the cruise line had just discharged Coronavirus-infected passengers before allowing a new group of passengers to board the ship and mingle with others who had already been exposed. 

The lawsuit also states that despite the knowledge and experience the cruise line had with the outbreak of the virus on the Diamond Princess just three weeks prior, Princess Cruises did not have proper screening protocol in place to minimize the risk of exposure.

How a Fort Myers Injury Law Firm Can Help

If you became ill or lost a loved one to COVID-19 onboard a Carnival cruise ship or another cruise line, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit and hold the company accountable for their negligent actions. Our accomplished attorneys at our Fort Myers injury law firm could help you seek compensation for the devastating losses you have suffered due to COVID-19. In a successful case, the court may grant financial compensation to each plaintiff based on their specific damages, such as medical bills, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering. Contact Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn more about your legal options.