The U.S. Coast Guard has directed cruise ships to prepare to treat any sick passengers and crew on board while being sequestered “indefinitely" offshore during the coronavirus pandemic. The new rules outlined in a memo are required for ships in the district that covers Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Puerto Rico. They also come with a stiff warning: Any foreign-flagged vessels “that loiter beyond U.S. territorial seas" should try first to medically evacuate the very sick to the countries where they are registered. The Coast Guard says shore-side facilities are stressed and patients may be more comfortable being treated onboard.
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<p>HONOLULU, HI - JUNE 13: (FEATURE STORY - HONOLULU COAST GUARD PATROLS 7 OF 9) A life saver ring is shown June 13, 2002 aboard a Coast Guard boat on patrol in Honolulu Harbor, Hawaii. The Coast Guard has warned U.S. ports and ships of a possible terrorist attack by swimmers or divers. The Bush administration warned in May 2002 of possible terrorist activity by scuba divers. (Photo by Phil Mislinski/Getty Images).</p>
Posted at 5:27 AM, Apr 01, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-01 19:37:14-04
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