qld cruise protocols

The Queensland Cabinet and Ministerial Directory

Queensland leads cruise ship recovery.

Published Thursday, 02 June, 2022 at 12:54 PM

Premier and Minister for the Olympics The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Queensland’s $1 billion cruise ship industry’s Covid-19 economic recovery is underway with the first cruise vessel arriving at the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Pacific Explorer was the first large cruising vessel to visit Brisbane since the pandemic.

“Today marks the relaunch of Queensland’s cruise ship industry for our Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan,” the Premier said.

“P&O’s Pacific Explorer is the first large cruise ship to sail into Brisbane since the pandemic and the first to berth at the new International Cruise Terminal.

“The $177 million Brisbane International Cruise Terminal was completed in 2020, during the pandemic.

“Having the new international terminal ready to go puts Queensland in a good position to become Australia’s cruise ship capital.

“More cruise ship destinations than any other Australian state and great winter weather makes Queensland the obvious choice to lead cruising’s relaunch.

“We’ve worked closely with NSW, Victoria, the Federal Government and the industry to develop consistent protocols to get cruise ships back in the water.

“These protocols put in place minimum standards for managing Covid and keeping passengers safe.”   

Queensland has 14 cruise ship ports and anchorages with the new $177 million Brisbane International Cruise Terminal now capable of docking the largest cruise vessels in the world. 

Cruise Ship itineraries over the next six months includes Cairns, the Whitsundays, Willis Island, Port Douglas, Gladstone and Townsville.

The Quantum of the Seas is scheduled to berth in Brisbane later in 2022 and Cairns in January 2023, while the Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2 are planning visits to Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Cairns and Port Douglas next summer.

President of Carnival Australia and P&O Cruises Australia Marguerite Fitzgerald said Queensland would be at the forefront of the industry’s revival.

“Queensland is going to look a lot like the epicentre of cruising in Australia as the cruise industry continues to rebuild after an absence of more than two years,” Ms Fitzgerald said.

“In coming months, it will look like a near normal cruise season with the combination of ships based in Brisbane or making calls there or to other attractive Queensland destinations.

“All of this activity is great news for suppliers, tour operators and other key parts of the cruising ecosystem.”

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said before the pandemic, cruise ships in Queensland waters contributed $1 billion to the State’s economy. 

“Cruise ships have traditionally worked with Queensland tourism operators in ports-of-call to develop onshore guided tour itineraries for passengers,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“That’s set to become another important sign of economic recovery in Queensland’s favourite visitor destinations.

“When cruise ship passengers discover a world-class visitor destination, they’re more likely to return for a longer stay.

“Changes to the way cruise ships have been operating overseas since the pandemic are also likely to deliver more business for suppliers in key Queensland ports.

“More focus on buying local means more cruise ship demand for Queensland-grown fruit, vegetables, meat and other supplies in places like Cairns, Gladstone and Townsville.   

“Buying local Queensland produce is important step in rebuilding the cruise ship industry’s $1 billion contribution to regional Queensland economies.”  Port of Brisbane CEO Neil Stephens said today was historic.

“It’s been a long wait but we are really proud to have finally welcomed the Pacific Explorer here to the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal,” he said.

“It was a fantastic sight to see the Pacific Explorer alongside the BICT wharf and then watch hundreds of passengers stream through the facility on their visit to Brisbane.

“Today was a great start and a really exciting indicator of what’s to come.”

Under new eastern seaboard health protocols, cruise ship passengers must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19 and return a negative COVID test before boarding. 

• COVID-19 Legal Notices

Have Fun. Be Safe.

HAVE FUN. BE SAFE.™ COVID-19 GUEST PROTOCOLS

Last updated 27 february 2024.

Effective immediately, we are making it easier for all guests, irrespective of vaccination status, to sail on cruises of any length from Australia. Proof of vaccination, pre-cruise testing, and application for a vaccine exemption are no longer required. Reservations are now confirmed for all guests, including for those awaiting a vaccine exemption.

Guests who have symptoms of respiratory illness within 5 days of embarkation should test for COVID-19. If you receive a positive result, you will not be able to travel. Please contact our customer service team at 13 31 94.

We remain unwavering in our commitment to the well-being and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit. Looking ahead, we will continue to abide by our strict and robust hygiene standards, whilst closely collaborating with relevant health authorities.

Before finalising travel plans, guests need to carefully review our Have Fun. Be Safe. Protocols below and the  NSW Health Fact Sheet for Cruises Departing or Entering NSW or the QLD COVID-19 Information for the Cruise Industry to understand their obligations to comply with health requirements.

VACCINES & VACCINE EXEMPTIONS (UPDATED 29 AUGUST 2023)

Carnival Cruise Line has welcomed the decision to lift all government mandated COVID restrictions for guests in Australia. These changes will be effective immediately across all Carnival Cruise Line operations.

Although vaccines are not required, we encourage all guests, 5 years of age and older, to be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, when eligible, and carry proof of vaccination.

Australian public health authorities also strongly recommend all cruise ship guests receive an annual influenza vaccination at least two weeks before the start of their cruise.

ENHANCED HEALTH SCREENINGS

At embarkation: We will refer anyone with signs and symptoms of illness, or who are identified at-risk, for additional medical screening before allowing them to board. Guests will be seen by medical personnel and boarding will be approved at their discretion.

Any guest who is denied boarding by medical personnel will not be able to cruise and are recommended to seek reimbursement through their Travel Insurance provider.

During the cruise: Secondary screenings (and health checks throughout the cruise) will be performed, if necessary, at the cost of the guest.

We have implemented a comprehensive set of protocols with the best interests of the health and safety of our guests, crew, and the destinations we serve as our number one priority. Even with our multi-layered protocols in place, there may be infectious illness cases during your cruise. Our ships' medical centres have capabilities for diagnosis and testing. It is important that you are aware of the following information:

Any guests exhibiting symptoms of illness are encouraged to go to our medical centre. Guests who are diagnosed with contagious illnesses may be required to move to an isolation stateroom until our medical team determines if it is safe to resume cruise activities.

HEALTHY ONBOARD ENVIRONMENT

Please help us maintain a healthy onboard environment by using the hand-washing sinks and hand sanitiser dispensers at venue entrances and in high-traffic areas throughout the ship. We will also need guests to follow our guidance about the ways to stay healthy onboard and when ashore, through daily programming, entertainment systems, announcements, in-stateroom literature, and the Carnival HUB App.

MASKS AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING

Masks are not required on board during your cruise. However, we recommend guests wear masks in public indoor spaces, outdoors when in large congregate events if they’re feeling unwell or exhibiting symptoms of illness.

GOING ASHORE

In Australia, all guests, irrespective of vaccination status, may go ashore to enjoy a Carnival tour or independent sightseeing.

We will be following the health protocols for every port we visit, which are under the control of local authorities and subject to change without prior notice. All guests, regardless of vaccination status, must come prepared to follow local guidance pertaining to mask wearing, physical distancing, testing/health screenings, etc. Since destination health protocols continue to evolve, the most up-to-date information will be provided in a stateroom advisory.

Itinerary Adjustments

Should it be necessary to cancel any or multiple ports, we will do our best to find alternative destinations. However, if we are unsuccessful in doing so, there will be no compensation for missed ports, beyond a refund of any pre-purchased Carnival shore excursions.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend you purchase comprehensive international travel insurance that has both cruise and COVID coverage. Certain ports of call may impose a requirement that you hold travel insurance if you are medically disembarked from the ship. International medical and repatriation costs can be high and are outside the scope of Australian Medicare.

NOTE: For cruises to the South Pacific that visits New Caledonia (Noumea or Lifou):

Passport Requirements

A passport is mandatory for all guests (including infants) for this voyage. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the cruise ends.

Visa Requirements

Depending on your nationality, specific travel documentation may be required to enter Fiji, even if you remain on board during the visit. Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, U.S.A, and most other countries do not require a Fijian visa. Please contact the appropriate embassy or consulate for Fiji to determine if your nationality requires one.

Mandatory Travel Insurance

To comply with destination requirements, all guests must present proof of medical travel insurance coverage for the duration of the voyage at time of check-in. The plan must include coverage for cruise, medical emergencies, repatriations, etc.

While we will do our best to provide you with as much information as possible, you should always ensure that you follow all travel and documentation requirements for this cruise. Unfortunately, guests who do not have the required documentation will not be able to sail and no compensation will be provided.

Carnival Cruise Line Refund and Cancellation Policy for COVID-19

The following information applies to all sailings until further notice. Except as specifically stated below, or as otherwise provided in the Ticket Contract for your cruise, the standard cancellation policies and penalties described in the Ticket Contract apply.

Cruise Cancelled by Carnival

• If your cruise is cancelled by Carnival, or boarding is delayed by three days or more and you elect not to sail on the delayed voyage, you are entitled to a refund of the amount paid to Carnival or an optional Future Cruise Credit (“FCC”).

Cruise Cancelled by Guest

• If you, your family members living with you in the same household or traveling companions assigned to the same stateroom cancel a cruise booking due to testing positive for COVID-19 within 5 days of embarkation, you will not be able to cruise and are recommended to seek reimbursement through your Travel Insurance provider.
• Any close contacts of a confirmed COVID-19 (those in the same household or traveling companions assigned to the same stateroom) may travel if they are asymptomatic on embarkation day and have not tested positive to COVID-19 in the past 5 days.

Denial of Embarkation or Reboarding; Quarantine and/or Disembarkation

• If you, your family members, travelling companions or other close contacts are denied embarkation or reboarding, or quarantined or disembarked during the voyage, due to a positive COVID-19 test or being suspected of having COVID-19, you are advised to seek reimbursement through your Travel Insurance provider.
• Failure to comply: If you are denied embarkation or reboarding, or are disembarked or quarantined during the voyage, for failure to comply with the Carnival COVID-19 Guest Protocols in effect at the time of the cruise, you shall not be entitled to a refund or compensation of any kind. Please refer to the Ticket Contract issued for your cruise for complete details.
• Passport Requirements: A passport is mandatory for all guests (including infants) for this voyage. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the cruise ends.
• Visa Requirements: Depending on your nationality, specific travel documentation may be required to enter Fiji, even if you remain on board during the visit. Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, U.S.A, and most other countries do not require a Fijian visa. Please contact the appropriate embassy or consulate for Fiji to determine if your nationality requires one.
• Mandatory Travel Insurance: To comply with destination requirements, all guests must present proof of medical travel insurance coverage for the duration of the voyage at time of check-in. The plan must include coverage for cruise, medical emergencies, repatriations, etc. While we will do our best to provide you with as much information as possible, you should always ensure that you follow all travel and documentation requirements for this cruise. Unfortunately, guests who do not have the required documentation will not be able to sail and no compensation will be provided.

COVID-19 FAQS

Do i need a covid-19 vaccination to sail, do i have to take a covid-19 test before my cruise.

Testing is not required for either vaccinated or unvaccinated guests. However, we encourage all guests, 5 years and older, to take a pre-cruise COVID-19 test within three days of their cruise.

What if I test positive to COVID-19 within 5 days prior to sailing?

If you test positive within 5 days prior to your cruise departure, you will not be able to travel and you should notify us or your travel agent as soon as possible so we can cancel your booking. In addition, if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms at embarkation, you will be asked to complete a health screen and if you test positive to COVID-19, you will be denied boarding.

If you have a valid travel insurance policy, please submit a claim with your insurance provider.

In the event that your claim is denied, please contact [email protected] with your booking details and any relevant documentation, including a letter of denial from your insurance provider. Claims are reviewed on a case-by-case scenario, and there is no guarantee of reimbursement.

What happens if during my cruise I have COVID-19 or test positive?

Any guest reporting or exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms should notify our onboard medical staff and be tested for COVID-19.  Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 should isolate for at least 5 days and until they are symptom free for 24 hours.

How are you maintaining a healthy onboard environment?

The health and wellbeing of our guests is our top priority. Carnival Cruise Line ships are equipped with hand sanitisation stations, and crew members may remind you to wash or sanitize your hands upon entering food service areas. Public areas and staterooms are subject to rigorous cleaning processes; and we have also enhanced our ventilation systems to allow for frequent exchanges of fresh ocean air and modified for greater particle filtration.

Do I need travel insurance to sail?

Please note, International travel insurance is recommended on Carnival Cruise Line cruises, as your cruise is outside the scope of Australian Medicare. Medical service fees will apply to onboard Covid-19 testing and treatment.

Mandatory Travel Insurance (For cruises to the South Pacific that visits New Caledonia (Noumea or Lifou))

Au covid-19 risk acknowledgment faqs.

Acknowledgement & Acceptance of Risks, Policies and Procedures for COVID-19

Please read carefully and log into Cruise Manager to acknowledge and accept.

How do we mitigate and manage COVID-19 cases on board?

We have consulted with leading medical experts to create an extensive response plan for mitigating and managing COVID-19 cases on our ships, and have also made arrangements with local port, health and transportation authorities to support our ships should it become necessary.

We have enhanced our shipboard medical capabilities with the necessary staffing, medications, supplies, oxygen, equipment and procedures to triage and treat multiple COVID-19 cases across the full clinical spectrum including intensive care. Our highly experienced doctors and nurses are up to date on the latest COVID-19 scientific status and trained on all relevant COVID-19 procedures.

In addition to our onboard Medical Centres, our shoreside Health Operations Centre is staffed 24/7 by our team of dedicated medical and public health professionals. Other measures in place include, but not limited to:

• COVID-19 viral testing capabilities, including PCR;
• Detailed quarantine management plan including isolation staterooms for COVID-19 positive cases, as well as isolation ward and beds in the medical centre;
• Enhanced cleaning and sanitising, including guest rooms and public areas;
• Onboard signage and regular communication to guests about COVID-safe practices; and,
• Regular monitoring of disease activity and health regulations in the destinations we visit so we can adjust our cruise itineraries as necessary.

Do I need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to cruise?

You should always ensure you understand all requirements to travel from your home country and the destinations you plan to visit. Details continue to be updated regularly and official websites and apps developed by government departments & agencies, and tourism ministries are the recommended resources, including:

• Smart Traveller
• Home Affairs
• Safe Travel

Any guests exhibiting symptoms of illness are encouraged to go to our medical centre. Guests who are diagnosed with contagious illnesses may be required to move to an isolation stateroom until our medical team determines if it is safe to resume cruise activities. 

What health care is available on board and how do I access it?

Each ship has a dedicated team of medical staff operating the onboard medical centre to serve the general health care needs for guests and crew. Our highly experienced doctors and nurses are up to date on the latest COVID-19 scientific status and trained in relevant COVID-19 procedures. We have also enhanced our shipboard medical capabilities in terms of staffing, medications, supplies, oxygen, equipment and procedures to triage and treat multiple COVID-19 cases across the full clinical spectrum including intensive care.

You can contact the medical centre using the phone in your room to request non-urgent appointments. This avoids congregation of patients in the medical centre and allows the medical staff to pre-determine the best location for the consultation, including your room.

Whenever possible, anyone suspected of COVID-19 will be assessed and treated in their room with all medical first responders wearing full PPE. Medical staff will arrange safe transfer of any unwell individuals to the ship's Medical Centre if additional treatment is required that cannot be provided in the guest's room. All cruises on our ships are outside the scope of Australian Medicare, New Zealand Accident Compensation Corporation and private health insurance.

What is the cost of onboard health care?

For cruises to or from Australia, there is a medical facility onboard where guests can have an initial consultation and COVID-19 related testing at their expense. Different policies may apply in other jurisdictions.

Non-COVID-19 related medical consultations, treatment and medication will be charged at private rates, and must be paid for by the guest and should be claimed on guest's international travel insurance. All cruises on our ships are outside the scope of Australian Medicare, New Zealand Accident Compensation Corporation and private health insurance.

What happens if my medical needs cannot be supported on board and I need to be transported off the ship?

While our onboard Medical Centres are equipped to handle many medical conditions, including COVID-19, there may be occasions where it becomes necessary to disembark or evacuate a guest to receive further essential medical treatment. To ensure guest safety, this decision will be made by the onboard doctor and the captain, in coordination with the relevant port and health authorities. Depending on medical water vessel or road ambulance, or a combination of these. Guests will be responsible for the costs of any evacuation required to treat COVID-19.

Our CareTeam will provide support to any guest who requires medical evacuation, along with their family and travel party.

What are the disembarkation arrangements for guests who test positive and close contacts?

Guests who are in isolation, or a close contact, will be disembarked in a controlled manner, separate from other guests. Isolation arrangements can vary by country/region. For guests disembarked in Australia:

• If a guest is well enough to travel home, they can proceed with their plans to return home.
• If a guest is unwell and requires ongoing medical treatment, we will make the necessary arrangements to transfer them to a local hospital or medical facility. If the guest does not require medical attention and prefers to stay locally until they recover, Carnival will assist in making arrangements however the guest will be responsible for any expenses.

Our CareTeam will provide assistance and support, as required, to guests who test positive to COVID-19 during their cruise, their families and any close contacts, to ensure they arrive home safely.

I have an existing medical condition. Can I still cruise?

We recommend guests seek advice from their medical practitioner about their condition and any possible risk associated with cruise travel. If you are travelling with a specific medical requirement, please let us know at the time of booking as we may require you to complete a medical questionnaire prior to travel.

Guests who use oxygen (concentrators or tanks) and those who are undergoing dialysis are welcome to travel on cruises 7 days or less, but please let us know at the time of booking.

Unfortunately, we are currently unable to welcome guests on board cruises of 8 nights or longer who are dependent on supplemental oxygen tanks or who are undergoing haemodialysis. Our medical experts have determined that, for the guests own safety, this is the right decision. We remain optimistic that our approach on future departures will become more flexible.

Do I need travel insurance?

Will the cruise itinerary be altered if there are covid-19 cases on board.

Our cruise itineraries are never guaranteed and may be altered for various reasons. In the event of COVID-19 cases on board, depending on the level of transmission and perceived risk by local port and health authorities, we may not be permitted to visit certain destinations included in the cruise itinerary.

How will guests be advised of COVID-19 positive cases and level of transmission on board?

If there are a small number of controlled cases, only close contacts will be notified by the onboard medical staff. When there is a potential risk of ongoing COVID-19 transmission, guests will be advised, as required by health authorities. Communication may include onboard announcements, letters to guest rooms and additional information in the Carnival Hub App.

Do guests need to be aware of and comply with Government entry requirements when returning from an international cruise, or when visiting the countries included in the itinerary?

Guests arriving on a cruise that has transited international ports are responsible for ensuring they meet local government entry requirements. Failure to do so may result in denial of boarding, being issued a fine, deportation or the ship being denied entry.

Guests are also responsible for ensuring they meet the entry requirements of the countries included in their itinerary, including any vaccination requirements.

Details continue to be updated regularly and official websites and apps developed by government departments & agencies, and tourism ministries are the recommended resources, including:

What if a guest fails to comply with the required health protocols during their cruise?

Anyone who doesn't comply with the onboard public health measures may be disembarked at the first available opportunity. Other consequences could include being denied service, required isolation in their room and being banned from cruising with Carnival Cruise Line and other Carnival Corporation and plc brands in future.

For any guest who is non-compliant, no refund will be issued of the cruise fare for missed cruise days, nor will travel expenses (if flying home) be covered.

If the travel party of a guest who is non-compliant is impacted and they are required or voluntarily choose to disembark with them, the same policies will apply to travel party: no refund of cruise fare for missed cruise days or coverage of travel expenses home.

What are the implications for guests travelling from overseas to join a cruise departing from Australia?

We strongly recommend guests obtain appropriate international travel insurance which may cover costs associated with changes to travel arrangements. Also, it is a condition of entry into some countries that guests hold specific travel insurance. It is your responsibility to inform yourself about what insurance you are required to hold and carry proof of any coverage. Guests travelling from overseas should also ensure their travel insurance provides cover for COVID-19 related medical care. If ongoing medical treatment is required after disembarkation, any associated costs will be incurred by the guest.

How will a COVID-19 outbreak on board be managed?

We have a COVID-19 response management plan covering varying levels of risk determined by the number of positive COVID-19 cases, clusters and close contacts.

In the unlikely event there is an outbreak of COVID-19 on board which is considered to be higher risk, all non-essential services will be suspended, and guests who are not isolating will be asked to minimise their movements around the ship and remain in their room as much as possible or utilise outdoor areas while maintaining physical distancing. Masks will also be required to be worn by guests at all times when outside their rooms, except while consuming food & drinks. The ship may still call at destinations for the provisioning of essential stores, subject to local health and port authority approvals, however shore visits will be suspended. In consultation with relevant health and port authorities, arrangements may be made to shorten the cruise and return to the closest suitable port to safely disembark all guests

Where an outbreak is considered to be moderate risk, some services may be modified or suspended in order to mitigate the risk, as outlined in Question 21.

Enhanced cleaning and sanitisation will be implemented in all areas, and hand washing or sanitiser use will be enforced at all food outlets and restaurants.

Guests will be kept informed onboard of any COVID-19 outbreak and any changes to the situation and what this means, including any changes to onboard health protocols. In addition, guests due to board the next cruise after a COVID-19 outbreak of moderate to higher risk has occurred will be informed of this prior to boarding.

Will activities be cancelled if there is a COVID-19 outbreak?

Where an outbreak is considered to be moderate risk, some activities and services may be modified or suspended in order to mitigate the risk, which may include:

• Reduced capacity in dining venues and lounges, with extended hours to facilitate physical distancing;
• Suspension of dining events, such as Chef's table;
• Walk-up bar service suspended, and only table service will be provided;
• Modification or suspensions of Kids Club centre and procedures and activities;
• Modification of entertainment, activities and shows, which may include reduced capacity, suspension, venue changes, shortening shows to increase frequency;
• Closure of waterslides;
• Reduced capacity in onboard shops;
• Reduced capacity in the gym, with masks required to be worn at all times and increased sanitising; and
• Closure of self-serve guest laundries.

During a moderate level outbreak, where we are still permitted to call at a destination as determine by the local health and port authorities, some shore tours may need to be modified or cancelled.

In the unlikely event there is an outbreak of COVID-19 on board which is considered to be higher risk, all non-essential services will be suspended.

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Queensland authorities report Covid outbreak on cruise ship as state records 4,804 cases

Covid protocols were in place on Brisbane-docked Coral Princess prior to outbreak, government says

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Queensland authorities are managing a Covid outbreak on a cruise ship docked in Brisbane, with the state’s third virus wave nearing 41,000 active cases.

The outbreak among the crew and some passengers on the Coral Princess in Brisbane on Sunday led to Princess Cruises offering refunds to those booked on its next 12-day cruise.

Queensland’s health minister, Yvette D’Ath, said on Monday that Covid protocols were in place on the ship before the outbreak.

She said some passengers were now isolating at home or in other accommodation, while authorities were helping the company manage infected staff on board.

“This was always going to happen, just like the rest of [the] community,” D’Ath told reporters.

“The virus is everywhere and there’s no escaping that, but I do want to acknowledge that the public health units, along with the cruise line, are doing all the right things and following the protocols in place.”

Comment has been sought from Princess Cruises.

Queensland recorded another 4,804 Covid-19 cases on Monday, taking the number of active cases to 40,589.

No deaths were reported. There were 782 people in hospital and 10 in intensive care with the virus.

The state’s premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said there were no plans to mandate face masks and that it was up to individuals whether to wear one.

“It’s people’s personal responsibility,” Palaszczuk said. “So if you’re in a crowded area, it is your choice to put on that mask.”

She urged people over the age of 65 to wear masks and to ensure they have had a booster shot, as those “ending up in hospital and tragically, the people are losing their lives, are people over 65”.

With children returning to class after school holidays on Monday, D’Ath called on parents to keep their kids home if they were sick.

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D’Ath said she was unsure whether the authorities were recording reinfection rates, as most of the Covid-19 cases emerged after rapid antigen tests.

She said they haven’t asked in the past whether people have had the virus previously, but serious cases were being PCR-tested and recorded for reinfection.

“They are checking that history and collecting that data as well, but the message is clear to everyone: it doesn’t matter if you’ve had Covid, you can absolutely get it again,” D’Ath said.

“What we do know about BA.4 and 5, the new subvariants of Omicron, is that we are seeing reinfection and that can happen quite quickly, so it can happen within the 12 weeks that we have talked about previously.”

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Cruise industry set to restart

Queensland’s $1 billion cruise ship industry is getting ready to sail after the Federal Government announced the restart of the international cruise ship sector in Australia from 17 April 2022.

After a two-year halt to the industry following COVID-19, the Federal Government and the Queensland, NSW and Victorian Governments are working with industry to put in place the appropriate protocols to see cruising resume.

Previously supporting 3,500 jobs across the state, the lifting of restrictions will be a great boost to the tourism industry and regional economies.

Improved ventilation systems and enhanced cleaning practices will accompany protocols being developed for the Australian Cruise Ship industry that will ensure their safe return.

Queensland’s state-of-the-art $180 million Brisbane International Cruise Terminal is ready to welcome cruise ships back to Brisbane, and ports along the Queensland coast, with the exception of the Torres Strait, will be ready to receive cruise ships in the coming months.

Tourism and Events Queensland has been active in presenting cruise lines with the best onshore activities available and ensuring Queensland’s tourism operators are ready when cruise itineraries restart.

Australian states remove all cruise Covid protocols

The NSW Premier has removed cruise Covid protocols including vaccine mandates and mask rules on cruise ships as of today.

Premier Chris Minns signed paperwork formally removing the Eastern Seaboard and Western Seaboard Australian cruise protocols.

The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee , part of the Federal Government’s health department, updated their advice last Friday.

Premier Minns said axing the rules was part of getting “life back to normal”.

“We have scrapped these rules because they aren’t needed any more,” he said in a statement.  

The protocols were introduced in April 2022 to support the safe resumption of cruising.

The state governments – NSW, Victoria, Queensland and WA – approved the cruise protocols which were implemented by the cruise industry on a voluntary basis.

The four governments have now agreed there is no longer a need for the protocols. The Premier said this is due to increasing community immunity to Covid.

The regulations required that all passengers aged 12 years and over needed to be fully vaccinated before boarding a cruise ship or departing or arriving at a port in the four states.

The rules also required passengers to be wearing masks including when embarking or disembarking.

Passengers were also required to have a negative Covid test result prior to departure.

All protocols will be removed.

“Passengers can take their own decisions to look after their health before and during a cruise,” he said.

“Cruise companies have been looking after their guests and workers and we encourage them to continue that.”  

Minns also said, “This change is needed, we could not remain the only country with these rules for cruising.

“These protocols were important at the time to get the cruising industry going again after Covid. They were never meant to remain forever.”

What CLIA said

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has welcomed confirmation from Australia’s Chief Medical Officer that cruise-specific Covid-19 measures are being removed.

“This brings Australia into line with other countries internationally and gives clarity to cruise passengers ahead of the coming summer cruise season,” said CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz.

“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.”

The withdrawal of cruise-specific measures was confirmed to CLIA today by Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly following a decision by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC).

Katz said the NSW Government had indicated that its own measures were being withdrawn. And that other states were expected to make similar adjustments in line with the AHPPC announcement.

The revival of cruise operations in Australia has been carefully managed since the middle of last year and many hundreds of thousands of Australians have sailed successfully in local waters.

“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.”

Everything I am seeing shows that only NSW and QLD have agreed to remove these restrictions. Do we know for sure the other states are going to follow suit?

In my circle of friends, during the past 3 months everyone of them has either returned to Port with COVID or has succumbed to the virus within 3 days of disembarking. Speaking with my chemist 10 days ago, his customers have told the same story. Thousands of people, living within a strictly confined area, with flu, RSV and COVID still circulating, and removing all anti-viral protocols is a receipt for disaster. Let’s not forget that, on average, 15 people a day are still dying from COVID. This virus is not done and dusted

Woohoo I can cruise again

Have you ever been on a cruise?

Iv been on 6 over the last 12 years, with 1 post covid,

Sanitiser has been on all cruises even before covid,

But feel free to bring your own supply too..

And if you want to wear a mask, feel free, its your holiday, you do you,

That’s great, been cruising a lot since cruising started up again, And passengers having to do rat test and showing a certificate. It just slowed down embarkation.

I hope they also welcome the wearing of masks by choice and make sanitiser available for cruise passengers , lets hope people who feel safe wearing masks are respected for their decision.

Finally catching up with the ‘science’.

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NSW sails towards normality with the lifting of COVID cruise ship protocols

Published: 28 August 2023

Released by: The Premier, Minister for Health, Minister for Tourism

The NSW Premier Chris Minns has ended COVID rules for cruising as the industry prepares for a busy summer.

Premier Minns has signed paperwork formally removing the Eastern Seaboard and Western Australian Cruise Protocols.

The cruise protocols were introduced in April 2022 to support the safe resumption of cruising following the lifting of the Commonwealth’s ban during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The participating state governments - NSW, Victoria, QLD and WA - approved the cruise protocols, which have been implemented by the cruise industry on a voluntary basis.

The protocols stated that all passengers aged 12 years and over needed to be fully-vaccinated to board a cruise ship departing or arriving at a port in these 4 states.

It also enforced mask wearing, including when embarking and disembarking, along with mandating negative COVID test results prior to departure.

Governments have agreed there is no longer a need for formal protocols with increasing community immunity to COVID-19 and lessons learned from the cruising industry since voyages resumed.

The Premier’s move follows an announcement late Friday by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC).

The AHPPC rescinded the current Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA) Cruise Guidelines and issued new advice around cruising.

The committee did note that cruise ships remain a higher risk setting for communicable disease and that cruise operators can help reduce the risk, including by managing staff health, encouraging passengers and crew to stay up to date with vaccinations and by promptly identifying and controlling outbreaks.

The NSW Government encourages the cruise industry to continue its work to reduce the risk of COVID-19 and other outbreaks on voyages, in line with the updated Australian Health Protection Principal Committee’s advice.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“We need to get life back to normal.

“We have scrapped these rules because they aren’t needed any more.

“Passengers can take their own decisions to look after their health before and during a cruise.

“Cruise companies have been looking after their guests and workers and we encourage them to continue that.

“But this change is needed – we could not remain the only country with these rules for cruising.

“These protocols were important at the time to get the cruising industry going again after COVID. They were never meant to remain forever.”

Minister for Tourism John Graham said:

"The 2023 winter cruise season in Sydney is on track to be one of the strongest on record and it is fantastic even more people can now participate.

“These protocols were important after COVID but were not intended to continue in perpetuity and I thank the sector for how they have handled the additional requirements placed upon them.

“The decision to bring the sector in line with other forms of travel is a sensible way to give visitors an unforgettable and safe experience across NSW’s beautiful coastline.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“The decision to repeal the cruise protocols is supported by NSW Health advice and NSW Health will continue to work with the cruise industry to minimise health risks to passengers as much as possible.

“The NSW Government remains committed to safeguarding public health and ensuring that policies are adapted in response to changing circumstances.

“I am confident that the cruise industry will continue to prioritise the health and safety of passengers, crew, and the broader community.”

Related information

• AHPPC statement – Advice to support safe cruising
• Staying healthy on a cruise

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Australia finally scraps COVID cruise ship protocols

Following last week's announcement that Australian COVID protocols affecting the cruise industry would be lifted, New South Wales (NSW) promptly and officially ended them on Monday, August 28th, 2023. Other Australian states, including Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia (WA), are expected to do the same.

In April 2022, the government introduced pandemic-related guidelines to support the struggling Australian cruise industry. These guidelines included mask-wearing, mandatory vaccination for cruise passengers aged 12 and older, and the requirement of negative COVID test results. As the nation's immunity to the virus improved, these measures became less necessary and more cumbersome for both cruise lines and passengers.

On Monday, NSW Premier Chris Minns formally eliminated the Eastern Seaboard and Western Australian Cruise Protocols, emphasizing the need to return to normalcy. In alignment with this decision, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), a division of the country's health department, removed cruise vaccination protocols and updated their health guidelines. Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Paul Kelly, noted that other Australian states are likely to follow suit.

The proposal to remove pandemic-related protocols received widespread support from passengers, cruise lines, and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) when it was initially suggested last week.

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Vic joins NSW, Qld cruise ship COVID rules

Victorians will need to be double-vaccinated to go on a cruise ship holiday.

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Under the protocols announced by the state government on Tuesday, all passengers aged 12 and over will need to have two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, while crew members will need to have three.

Passengers will also need to have a negative test before embarking and a negative PCR test if they are symptomatic when boarding and wear masks when embarking and disembarking, or when they cannot socially distance indoors.

Crew members will need to take a COVID-19 test every 14 days or when they are symptomatic and wear masks onboard.

The protocols align with rules in NSW and Queensland and come ahead of Australia's cruise ship ban ending later this month.

The Victorian government also confirmed vaccination requirements will not apply to any venue operating as a polling place for the federal election.

Premier Daniel Andrews flagged vaccination and close contact rules could be scrapped across the whole state once the Omicron wave peaks.

"To have less rules while the case numbers are going up? That's probably not a smart thing to do," Mr Andrews told reporters on Tuesday.

"But once they start to come off, which we think will be quite soon, we will have those options available to us."

The state recorded 10,293 new COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths, as Victoria's health department confirmed changes to close contact isolation rules for airline staff.

From Tuesday, air transport service workers including pilots, crew, airport security and baggage handlers will be exempt from close contact isolation.

That means workers who have no symptoms and return negative rapid antigen tests can attend work.

Staff will need to take RATs for five days and must continue to follow isolation rules while not at work.

If they develop symptoms or test positive on a RAT, the exemption no longer applies.

NSW scrapped the isolation requirement for close contact airline staff on Monday.

The decision to allow asymptomatic COVID-19 close contacts to return to work comes as travellers continue to face long lines at Melbourne Airport.

The airport's chief executive Lyell Strambi told the ABC that recent days have been the airport's busiest since before the pandemic, thanks to the return of the Australian Grand Prix and the Easter school holidays.

He said close contact isolation rules were contributing to staff shortages and delays.

Australian Associated Press

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‘Aren’t needed: Covid measures scrapped on cruises

Passengers in one state will no longer be under mask and vaccine mandates, with the Premier declaring: “We need to get life back to normal.”

Health alert issued over deadly disease

Macca’s shuts stores in one country over hygiene

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Covid vaccination mandates and mask rules will finally be ditched for passengers on cruise ships embarking from NSW ports, with Premier Chris Minns declaring: “We need to get life back to normal.”

Previously, passengers over the age of 12 had to be fully vaccinated prior to embarking on a cruise ship. Travellers also had to abide by enforced mask-wearing when embarking and disembarking and had to present a negative Covid test prior to departure.

On Monday, the NSW government announced it had formally signed paperwork that removed the rules from the Eastern Seaboard and Western Australian Cruise Protocols, which also covers travellers embarking from Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia.

Mr Minns said it was time to “get life back to normal”.

“We have scrapped these rules because they aren’t needed anymore,” he said.

“Passengers can take their own decisions to look after their health before and during a cruise.”

Tourism Minister John Graham thanked the industry for implementing the health protocols during the pandemic and welcomed the change before the summer holiday season.

“The 2023 winter cruise season in Sydney is on track to be one of the strongest on record and it is fantastic even more people can now participate,” he said.

“These protocols were important after Covid but were not intended to continue in perpetuity and I thank the sector for how they have handled the additional requirements placed upon them.”

While the remaining states have yet to formally rescind the rules, the federal health body has advocated for the removal of the Covid public health measures.

On Friday, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee downgraded managing Covid-19 on cruise ships to bring measures in line with other communicable diseases and stated there was “no longer a need” for specific recommendations and guidance.

However, it said cruise ships remained a “higher risk setting for communicable disease,” like gastroenteritis, respiratory infections, the flu and Covid-19.

“These viral infections can be serious, particularly for people who are at higher risk of severe illness,” the statement said.

“The risk is higher on-board cruise ships than in the general community due to the high numbers of people mixing in relatively closed spaces and the typically longer duration of cruises compared to other transport.”

NSW Health has issued a measles alert for people in specific Western Sydney locations.

McDonald’s stores across Sri Lanka shut on Sunday after the fast-food giant launched a legal battle with its local franchise holder over allegations of poor hygiene.

Travellers have been warned to protect themselves from a potentially fatal disease in a tourist hotspot.

• Australia News

'We need to get life back to normal': New South Wales Premier Chris Minns axes COVID-19 protocols on cruise ships

The NSW Premier has officially removed vaccine mandates and mask rules on cruise ships in line with updated advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has ended remaining COVID rules for cruising as the recovering cruise ship industry prepares for a busy summer on the high seas.

The Cruise Protocols were introduced in April 2022 to support the safe resumption of cruising following the lifting of the Commonwealth’s ban during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Premier Minns signed paperwork formally removing the Eastern Seaboard and Western Australian Cruise Protocols and said axing the rules was part of getting “life back to normal”.

“We have scrapped these rules because they aren’t needed any more,” he said in a statement.  

At the time, the participating state governments – NSW, Victoria, QLD and WA – approved the cruise protocols, which were implemented by the cruise industry on a voluntary basis.

The four state governments have now agreed there is no longer a need for the formal protocols due to increasing community immunity to COVID-19 and lessons learned from the cruising industry since voyages resumed.

The protocols stated that all passengers aged 12 years and over needed to be fully vaccinated to board a cruise ship departing or arriving at a port in these four states.

The rules also enforced mask wearing, including when embarking and disembarking, along with mandating negative COVID test results prior to departure.

“Passengers can take their own decisions to look after their health before and during a cruise,” he said.

“Cruise companies have been looking after their guests and workers and we encourage them to continue that.”  

The Labor Premier’s move followed updated advice by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC).

On Friday, the AHPPC rescinded the current Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA) Cruise Guidelines and issued new advice around cruising.

The committee did note that cruise ships remain a “higher risk setting for communicable disease” and that cruise operators can help reduce the risk, including by managing staff health, encouraging passengers and crew to stay up to date with vaccinations and by promptly identifying and controlling outbreaks.

Mr Minns explained that the restrictions were designed to be temporary and Australia remains the only country which continues to enforce the mandates on cruise ships.

“This change is needed, we could not remain the only country with these rules for cruising,” he said.

“These protocols were important at the time to get the cruising industry going again after COVID (but) they were never meant to remain forever.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park welcomed the changes and says the state remains committed to minimising the risks of COVID-19 infection as much as possible.

“The decision to repeal the Cruise Protocols is supported by NSW Health advice and NSW Health will continue to work with the cruise industry to minimise health risks to passengers as much as possible,” he said.

“The NSW Government remains committed to safeguarding public health and ensuring that policies are adapted in response to changing circumstances.

“I am confident that the cruise industry will continue to prioritise the health and safety of passengers, crew, and the broader community.”

The news comes about three and a half years after the ill-fated cruise ship the Ruby Princess docked in Sydney harbour in March 2020 and created one of Australia’s first COVID outbreaks.

The Carnival Australia ship was later to linked to about 10 per cent of Australia’s early COVID cases after infected passengers were allowed to disembark by NSW Health.

Then-Premier Gladys Berejiklian later publicly apologised to anyone who "suffered as a result of the mistake". 

NSW Police also launched a criminal investigation into whether the operator of the ship broke biosecurity laws by deliberately concealing COVID cases.

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Vic joins NSW, Qld cruise ship COVID rules

Victorians will need to be double-vaccinated to go on a cruise ship holiday.

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Under the protocols announced by the state government on Tuesday, all passengers aged 12 and over will need to have two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, while crew members will need to have three.

Passengers will also need to have a negative test before embarking and a negative PCR test if they are symptomatic when boarding and wear masks when embarking and disembarking, or when they cannot socially distance indoors.

Crew members will need to take a COVID-19 test every 14 days or when they are symptomatic and wear masks onboard.

The protocols align with rules in NSW and Queensland and come ahead of Australia's cruise ship ban ending later this month.

The Victorian government also confirmed vaccination requirements will not apply to any venue operating as a polling place for the federal election.

Premier Daniel Andrews flagged vaccination and close contact rules could be scrapped across the whole state once the Omicron wave peaks.

"To have less rules while the case numbers are going up? That's probably not a smart thing to do," Mr Andrews told reporters on Tuesday.

"But once they start to come off, which we think will be quite soon, we will have those options available to us."

The state recorded 10,293 new COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths, as Victoria's health department confirmed changes to close contact isolation rules for airline staff.

From Tuesday, air transport service workers including pilots, crew, airport security and baggage handlers will be exempt from close contact isolation.

That means workers who have no symptoms and return negative rapid antigen tests can attend work.

Staff will need to take RATs for five days and must continue to follow isolation rules while not at work.

If they develop symptoms or test positive on a RAT, the exemption no longer applies.

NSW scrapped the isolation requirement for close contact airline staff on Monday.

The decision to allow asymptomatic COVID-19 close contacts to return to work comes as travellers continue to face long lines at Melbourne Airport.

The airport's chief executive Lyell Strambi told the ABC that recent days have been the airport's busiest since before the pandemic, thanks to the return of the Australian Grand Prix and the Easter school holidays.

He said close contact isolation rules were contributing to staff shortages and delays.

Australian Associated Press

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• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers

updates for Australia cruise ship covid protocols

By Twonomads , August 17, 2023 in Australia & New Zealand Cruisers

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LittleFish1976

52 minutes ago, Busy Mum said: That is also what I’m wondering! We are leaving on the 11th Sept on Ponant for a Kimberley cruise & I’m wondering if we will need to do a RAT to get onboard? We are fully (5 shots) vaccinated. 🙂

I would check with Ponant. I think they've had their own requirements regarding covid protocols regardless of the country being sailed in. I'm booked for Ponant for February departing from Argentina so will be interested to hear.

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2 hours ago, LittleFish1976 said: I would check with Ponant. I think they've had their own requirements regarding covid protocols regardless of the country being sailed in. I'm booked for Ponant for February departing from Argentina so will be interested to hear.

Thanks LittleFish1976, I’ll let you know when we return. If I should forget, please remind me! Vicki. 🤪 🤪

7 hours ago, possum52 said: Won't Queensland have to sign off on it too? The other states too?  

There is some info on the QLD equivalent page now, updated today, confirming that the East Coast and WA protocols no longer exist. Once the states using it agreed it was no longer needed, it just had to be removed. 

https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/hospitality-tourism-sport/tourism/qld/cruise-tourism/covid-protocols

The Communicable Disease Network Australia National Guidelines for Cruising in Australia have been rescinded following a statement to support safe cruising which was published by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) on 25 August 2023.

This statement has triggered removal of the Eastern Seaboard and Western Australian Cruise Protocols (the Protocols) which have been voluntarily implemented by cruise operators.

This means there are no requirements for the cruise sector to apply these Protocols as of 25 August 2023.

Cruise operators should continue to check with jurisdictional authorities about specific requirements, including risk mitigation strategies, for cruise operators to minimise the transmission of communicable diseases including COVID-19, other acute respiratory infections and gastroenteritis.

1 minute ago, arxcards said: There is some info on the QLD equivalent page now, updated today, confirming that the East Coast and WA protocols no longer exist. Once the states using it agreed it was no longer needed, it just had to be removed.  https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/hospitality-tourism-sport/tourism/qld/cruise-tourism/covid-protocols The Communicable Disease Network Australia National Guidelines for Cruising in Australia have been rescinded following a statement to support safe cruising which was published by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) on 25 August 2023. This statement has triggered removal of the Eastern Seaboard and Western Australian Cruise Protocols (the Protocols) which have been voluntarily implemented by cruise operators. This means there are no requirements for the cruise sector to apply these Protocols as of 25 August 2023. Cruise operators should continue to check with jurisdictional authorities about specific requirements, including risk mitigation strategies, for cruise operators to minimise the transmission of communicable diseases including COVID-19, other acute respiratory infections and gastroenteritis.

Thanks Geoff. 

https://cruisepassenger.com.au/news/australian-states-remove-all-cruise-covid-protocols/

Hi guys, this is wonderful information, I learn so much from Cruise Critic, thank you. I'd appreciate if someone would post confirmation when Princess lifts protocols for cruising, I can't be sure Princess'd bother to tell me, too busy trying to flog me packages! 🛳 

32 minutes ago, Jean C said: Hi guys, this is wonderful information, I learn so much from Cruise Critic, thank you. I'd appreciate if someone would post confirmation when Princess lifts protocols for cruising, I can't be sure Princess'd bother to tell me, too busy trying to flog me packages! 🛳 

They have, and it looks like Australia specific info has been moved from their site. They posted on their social media in the wee hours that they applaud the changes. Still unclear, passengers have asked questions around embarkation, with this reply:

"Following the announcement by the Australian government (sic), at embarkation, we no longer require proof of COVID vaccination or pre-embarkation COVID testing".

1 hour ago, Jean C said: Hi guys, this is wonderful information, I learn so much from Cruise Critic, thank you. I'd appreciate if someone would post confirmation when Princess lifts protocols for cruising, I can't be sure Princess'd bother to tell me, too busy trying to flog me packages! 🛳 

Maybe it is also time for Princess to drop the plus package mandate?  😉

Looks like no changes to P&O website so far. 

27 minutes ago, bazzaw said: Looks like no changes to P&O website so far. 

Nor Carnival.au. These are the two AU specific sites, and it might take them days to update it, but they no longer require proof of a vaccine or a negative test.

Princess very quick on sending out updated Booking Confirmations with updated information regarding covid protocols. Just received mine for late October sailing.

Still crickets as for notifying me my package inclusions have changed. 🤣

Yes just got mine and I notice that check in time is actually listed as 1.00pm for Melb and 12.00pm for Adelaide.

43 minutes ago, arxcards said: Nor Carnival.au. These are the two AU specific sites, and it might take them days to update it, but they no longer require proof of a vaccine or a negative test.

I assume this mean anybody joining a cruise overseas and heading back to Australia will not have to rat test before boarding. 

3 minutes ago, JohnGc said: I assume this mean anybody joining a cruise overseas and heading back to Australia will not have to rat test before boarding. 

5 minutes ago, arxcards said: Correct

Magic, looks like we have done very well so far, the wife and I have never had to take a test and fingers crossed we never have to. Might try and sell all all the covid test kits the gov gave me on Ebay. 😂

53 minutes ago, JohnGc said: Magic, looks like we have done very well so far, the wife and I have never had to take a test and fingers crossed we never have to. Might try and sell all all the covid test kits the gov gave me on Ebay. 😂

I wouldn't do that too soon. COVID is still around. I'm keeping mine in case I need to check if I have flu or COVID. It will make a difference for medication.

1 minute ago, lyndarra said: I wouldn't do that too soon. COVID is still around. I'm keeping mine in case I need to check if I have flu or COVID. It will make a difference for medication.

Yes I will be doing the same, only problem is I have had them too long and soon they will be out of date.

Email just received from Princess:

" You love travel, and we love making it simple to fulfill those dreams. So we're happy to report that effective immediately, the requirements to join a cruise from Australia will now align with all other cruises globally without vaccination or pre-cruise testing requirements. This protocol shift applies to itineraries to all destinations sailing to or from an Australian port. We can't wait to create new memories with you on your upcoming voyage!"

1 minute ago, JohnGc said: Yes I will be doing the same, only problem is I have had them too long and soon they will be out of date.

Mine are good 'till January. I've had them over a year and used one last June whilst in Alaska when I had the sniffles. Negative.

4 minutes ago, lyndarra said: Mine are good 'till January. I've had them over a year and used one last June whilst in Alaska when I had the sniffles. Negative.

Yes the same. My ones run out in January. Next cruise is February so I will have to buy some so we can check as needed. 

cruiser3775

1 minute ago, JohnGc said: I will have to buy some so we can check as needed. 

Not sure you have to pay for them. My local council is handing them out for free at the moment, as long as you go along and pick them up yourself.

Just now, cruiser3775 said: Not sure you have to pay for them. My local council is handing them out for free at the moment, as long as you go along and pick them up yourself.

Interesting I will find out about that. Thank's.

4 hours ago, JohnGc said: Yes I will be doing the same, only problem is I have had them too long and soon they will be out of date.

Be sure to double check the expiration dates before pitching.  I found that some of mine have had the dated extended more than once and if I hadn't checked (again) I would have discarded tests that were still good.   At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests | FDA

47 minutes ago, pompeii said: Be sure to double check the expiration dates before pitching.  I found that some of mine have had the dated extended more than once and if I hadn't checked (again) I would have discarded tests that were still good.   At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests | FDA  

I actually have 2 boxes that I have a date stamped on of 2024 but I am not sure if the extension is from that date . On the extension list it shows the make I have is extended for 18 months and then has a date next to it for the 14th Feb 2023. Not sure if the extension is from the date stamp on the box or the 2023 one on the list. Was going to ask the chemist some time this week.

Clungene  APAC Security Pty.Ltd.

/www.tga.gov.au/products/covid-19/covid-19-tests/covid-19-rapid-antigen-self-tests-home-use/covid-19-rapid-antigen-self-tests-are-approved-australia

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‘A Lot of Chaos’: Bridge Collapse Creates Upheaval at Largest U.S. Port for Car Trade

A bridge collapse closed Baltimore’s port, an important trade hub that ranks first in the nation by the volume of automobiles and light trucks it handles.

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Shipping in the Port of Baltimore

Monthly cargo handled by the Port of Baltimore

By Peter Eavis and Jenny Gross

• March 26, 2024

The Baltimore bridge disaster on Tuesday upended operations at one of the nation’s busiest ports, with disruptions likely to be felt for weeks by companies shipping goods in and out of the country — and possibly by consumers as well.

The upheaval will be especially notable for auto makers and coal producers for whom Baltimore has become one of the most vital shipping destinations in the United States.

As officials began to investigate why a nearly 1,000-foot cargo ship ran into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the middle of the night, companies that transport goods to suppliers and stores scrambled to get trucks to the other East Coast ports receiving goods diverted from Baltimore. Ships sat idle elsewhere, unsure where and when to dock.

“It’s going to cause a lot of chaos,” said Paul Brashier, vice president for drayage and intermodal at ITS Logistics.

The closure of the Port of Baltimore is the latest hit to global supply chains, which have been strained by monthslong crises at the Panama Canal, which has had to slash traffic because of low water levels; and the Suez Canal, which shipping companies are avoiding because of attacks by the Houthis on vessels in the Red Sea.

The auto industry now faces new supply headaches.

Last year, 570,000 vehicles were imported through Baltimore, according to Sina Golara, an assistant professor of supply chain management at Georgia State University. “That’s a huge amount,” he said, equivalent to nearly a quarter of the current inventory of new cars in the United States.

The Baltimore port handled a record amount of foreign cargo last year, and it was the 17th biggest port in the nation overall in 2021, ranked by total tons, according to Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Baltimore Ranks in the Top 20 U.S. Ports

Total trade in 2021 in millions of tons

Baltimore ranks first in the United States for the volume of automobiles and light trucks it handles, and for vessels that carry wheeled cargo, including farm and construction machinery, according to a statement by Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland last month.

The incident is another stark reminder of the vulnerability of the supply chains that transport consumer products and commodities around the world.

The extent of the disruption depends on how long it takes to reopen shipping channels into the port of Baltimore. Experts estimate it could take several weeks.

Baltimore is not a leading port for container ships, and other ports can likely absorb traffic that was headed to Baltimore, industry officials said.

Stephen Edwards, the chief executive of the Port of Virginia, said it was expecting a vessel on Tuesday that was previously bound for Baltimore, and that others would soon follow. “Between New York and Virginia, we have sufficient capacity to handle all this cargo,” Mr. Edwards said, referring to container ships.

“Shipping companies are very agile,” said Jean-Paul Rodrigue, a professor in the department of maritime business administration at Texas A&M University-Galveston. “In two to three days, it will be rerouted.”

But other types of cargo could remain snarled.

Alexis Ellender, a global analyst at Kpler, a commodities analytics firm, said he expected the port closure to cause significant disruption of U.S. exports of coal. Last year, about 23 million metric tons of coal exports were shipped from the port of Baltimore, about a quarter of all seaborne U.S. coal shipments. About 12 vessel had been expected to leave the port of Baltimore in the next week or so carrying coal, according to Kpler.

He noted that it would not make a huge dent on the global market, but he added that “the impact is significant for the U.S. in terms of loss of export capacity.”

“You may see coal cargoes coming from the mines being rerouted to other ports instead,” he said, with a port in Norfolk, Va., the most likely.

If auto imports are reduced by Baltimore’s closure, inventories could run low, particularly for models that are in high demand.

“We are initiating discussions with our various transportation providers on contingency plans to ensure an uninterrupted flow of vehicles to our customers and will continue to carefully monitor this situation,” Stellantis, which owns Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram, said in a statement.

Other ports have the capacity to import cars, but there may not be enough car transporters at those ports to handle the new traffic.

“You have to make sure the capacity exists all the way in the supply chain — all the way to the dealership,” said Mr. Golara, the Georgia State professor.

A looming battle is insurance payouts, once legal liability is determined. The size of the payout from the insurer is likely to be significant and will depend on factors including the value of the bridge, the scale of loss of life compensation owed to families of people who died, the damage to the vessel and disruption to the port.

The ship’s insurer, Britannia P&I Club, part of a global group of insurers, said in a statement that it was “working closely with the ship manager and relevant authorities to establish the facts and to help ensure that this situation is dealt with quickly and professionally.”

The port has also increasingly catered to large container ships like the Dali, the 948-foot-long cargo vessel carrying goods for the shipping giant Maersk that hit a pillar of the bridge around 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday. The Dali had spent two days in Baltimore’s port before setting off toward the 1.6-mile Francis Scott Key Bridge.

State-owned terminals, managed by the Maryland Port Administration, and privately owned terminals in Baltimore transported a record 52.3 million tons of foreign cargo in 2023, worth $80 billion.

Materials transported in large volumes through the city’s port include coal, coffee and sugar. It was the ninth-busiest port in the nation last year for receiving foreign cargo, in terms of volume and value.

The bridge’s collapse will also disrupt cruises traveling in and out of Baltimore. Norwegian Cruise Line last year began a new fall and winter schedule calling at the Port of Baltimore.

An earlier version of this article misstated the Port of Baltimore’s rank among U.S. ports. It was the nation’s 17th biggest port by total tons in 2021, not the 20th largest.

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Peter Eavis reports on business, financial markets, the economy and companies across different sectors. More about Peter Eavis

Jenny Gross is a reporter for The Times in London covering breaking news and other topics. More about Jenny Gross