corona virus alerts - Latest cruising Information for vessels/locations/rules

[Cool Hand Luke]

The Sunsail/Moorings base in Antigua just closed down again. It was supposed to open on November 14th for bareboat charters. But it got shut down again until December 19th.

Bahamas is opening November 14th
Belize is opening November 19th
St. Martin is opening November 14th

Just a heads up for anyone doing bareboat charters from Sunsail and/or Moorings.

[Global nomad]

Puerto Rico update:

I just spoke with Dream Yacht Charters (operating out of Fajardo). Apparently the recent restrictions prohibiting overnight anchorages at Culebra and Vieques have been lifted, and cruising is back to "normal." DYC tells me they are operational out of their base at Puerto Del Rey.

Still need proof of negative covid test <72 hours to get into PR, however.

Fingers crossed this holds - we are scheduled to sail there starting Dec 4th!

[GordMay]

Vanuatu records first COVID-19 case
Vanuatu has officially recorded its first case of COVID-19, health officials announced on Wednesday, ending the Pacific nation’s status as one of the few countries in the world to remain virus-free.
Len Tarivonda, the director of Vanuatu Public Health, said the 23-year-old man had recently returned from the United States and was confirmed to have the virus on Tuesday after being tested on the fifth day of his quarantine.
Vanuatu is now in Scenario 2A ie. border case(s) only.
➥ https://covid19.gov.vu/images/Situat..._10112020c.pdf
➥ https://covid19.gov.vu/
➥ https://covid19.gov.vu/index.php/situation-reports

[Auspicious]

The availability of testing has an impact on getting into other places.

Case in point. I'm mid delivery from Annapolis to St. Thomas. We diverted to Morehead City for a number of reasons. Crew were timing out so I had to put a new crew together. USVI requires a negative PCR test within five days of departure. In Anne Arundel County (Annapolis) there are free drive-through tests. Here in Carteret County (Morehead City) tests are only available to county residents unless you jump through hoops that include a doctor's referral, an appointment, a long wait anyway, and indeterminate return of results. Then USVI requires a second, pre-arrival form filled out no more than two days before arrival. In my case I have a first rate shore support person; not all cruisers will. I have long range comms (HF/SSB/Pactor); not all cruisers do.

Not that this example is between the mainland US and a US territory. The websites are up to date. Mostly. Consider the implications on the edge of the Internet.

It is necessary but not sufficient to consider the status of borders and nationality of travelers. You have to read the fine print. What is required to cross a border and can you accomplish that?

[Sand crab]

Washington State just announced a new shutdown so all of the bars and restaurants will be closed tomorrow night except those with outdoor seating. This affects cruisers that are coming in from out of state or country (and it’s not many this time of year) who might want a hot meal. Also obviously the bigger marinas will have to close their on-site restaurants. Most restaurants will be doing takeout. The marinas will stay open.

[Montanan]

U.S., Canada, Mexico to extend border travel restrictions until at least Dec. 21.

U.S. land borders with Canada and Mexico are expected to remain closed to non-essential travel until Dec. 21 at the earliest amid a rising number of U.S. coronavirus cases, officials in Washington and Ottawa told Reuters.

The current restrictions expire on Saturday and the three countries are expected to approve another 30-day extension, the official said on Wednesday. The United States leads the world in COVID-19 cases and deaths.

The restrictions were first put in place in March to control the spread of COVID-19 and have been extended on a monthly basis ever since.

The restrictions are particularly painful for U.S. and Canadian towns along the border that are tightly intertwined.

Statistics Canada said earlier that U.S. visits to Canada by automobile had plummeted by more than 95% in August from August 2019.

[Montanan]

Originally Posted by Global nomad

Puerto Rico update:

I just spoke with Dream Yacht Charters (operating out of Fajardo). Apparently the recent restrictions prohibiting overnight anchorages at Culebra and Vieques have been lifted, and cruising is back to "normal." DYC tells me they are operational out of their base at Puerto Del Rey.

Still need proof of negative covid test <72 hours to get into PR, however.

Fingers crossed this holds - we are scheduled to sail there starting Dec 4th!

After loosening restrictions in September and October, Puerto Rico is once again scaling back its reopening after a spike in COVID-19 cases. As of November 16, public beaches are closed to everyone except for those doing exercise, while restaurants, stores, malls, casinos, gyms, and museums are limited to 30 percent capacity. Bars and clubs remain closed and a 10 p.m to 5 a.m. curfew remains in effect until December 11.

In addition to completing a travel declaration form provided by the Puerto Rico Health Department, anyone over the age of two who enters Puerto Rico will be required to supply proof of negative molecular tests (nasal or throat swabs) from 72 hours prior. The government will not accept any other type of test, including the antibody ones that require a finger stick or blood drawn. Travelers will also receive a airport exit confirmation number and QR code when uploading their molecular test results to the Puerto Rico Health Department’s online portal.

Arriving passengers who do not have test results available, refuse to submit to testing upon arrival, or test positive will be required to quarantine for 14 days and cover their own medical and extended stay expenses. Those who wish to be released from quarantine will have to undergo a molecular test and share the negative results with the government,

Because Puerto Rico never closed its borders, airlines continued to fly to and from the island. However, in order to better track people arriving in Puerto Rico, flights are only allowed in and out of San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. An island-wide curfew will remain in place from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. through December 11, with exceptions only made for emergencies. Ferry service to the island of Culebra for tourists started again on October 26, while ferry service to Vieques remains restricted to residents only.

Warning – Level 3, COVID-19 risk in Puerto Rico is high

Key Points

CDC recommends travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Puerto Rico. Travelers at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should consider postponing all travel, including essential travel, to Puerto Rico.
COVID-19 risk in Puerto Rico is high.
If you get sick in Puerto Rico and need medical care, resources may be limited.

[Scotty Kiwi]

So, with vaccine distribution starting mid December 20 and we hope accelerating through to mid 2021, when will various countries start to ease travel restrictions?

I'm hoping, if the 2% most vulnerable of the total population are protected in December, and a further 4% in January, with the rest of the population being less vulnerable and able to accept some risk, travel restrictions (and port entry restrictions) will be eased toward the end of January 2021, at least in the countries with solid health care.

Thoughts?

[El Pinguino]

Originally Posted by Scotty Kiwi

So, with vaccine distribution starting mid December 20 and we hope accelerating through to mid 2021, when will various countries start to ease travel restrictions?

I'm hoping, if the 2% most vulnerable of the total population are protected in December, and a further 4% in January, with the rest of the population being less vulnerable and able to accept some risk, travel restrictions (and port entry restrictions) will be eased toward the end of January 2021, at least in the countries with solid health care.

Thoughts?

Chile is about to open its borders before the end of this month..... they - the cynics - say it is to suck in the tourists wanting to see the december 14th eclipse....

It will be interesting to see how that goes ... only entry port is Santiago airport, must have a negative covid test.... and....... health insurance covering covid.....

The health insurance thing is interesting...who is going to be offering that in 2021 and at what cost??

[MikeFergie]

We arrived in Tanzania this week and it’s fully open. Visas issued on arrival and no other issues. No face masks no tests and they say they are COVID free and life is back to normal.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by MikeFergie

We arrived in Tanzania this week and it’s fully open. Visas issued on arrival and no other issues. No face masks no tests and they say they are COVID free and life is back to normal.

I very much doubt that Tanzania is (has been) Covid-Free.

The corona disease has been eliminated thanks to God," Mr Magufuli told worshippers, on June 8, in a church in the capital, Dodoma.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern over the government's strategy on Covid-19.
The USCDC advises that COVID-19 risk in Tanzania is high.


The government has stopped publishing data on the number of coronavirus cases in the country, as of April 29 (or May 8), when there were 509 cases, with 21 deaths in Tanzania.

“Will Magufuli’s Covid-19 gamble pay off for Tanzania?” ~ by Tom Collins, October 5, 2020
“... Since President John Magufuli boldly announced in June that Tanzania was “coronavirus free” it has become a commonly heard refrain across the East African country.
But a lack of Covid-19 cases is impossible. Tanzania is surrounded by eight African countries, with confirmed cases ranging from almost 40,000 in Kenya to 4,700 in Rwanda at the time of writing...
... “Many other countries that went into lockdown have suffered tremendously from an economic point of view,” says Mohammed Dewji, CEO of industrial conglomerate MeTL, Tanzania’s largest home-grown company.
Tanzania never went into lockdown and that is why I believe it will perform far better than all East and Central African countries.”
In fact, Dewji’s prediction may be too modest – Tanzania’s economy could register one of the highest growth rates in the world for 2020. ”
More ➥ https://african.business/2020/10/tra...amble-pay-off/

According to the WHO
In United Republic of Tanzania, from Jan 3 to 10:29am CET, 19 November 2020, Tanzania has REPORTED 509 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 21 deaths. They stopped reporting on May 8, 2020.
➥ https://covid19.who.int/region/afro/country/tz

Today, May 8/20, the Ministry of Health announced that the government has suspended reporting Covid19 figures because of work currently taking place at the National Health Laboratories. Once the improvements are completed, official reporting will resume. The last official report indicated 480 confirmed cases in the country. However, the semi-autonomous region of Zanzibar has announced 29 new cases and 5 additional deaths
“Covid-19: Tanzania updates will resume after improvements at national laboratory”
➥ https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/news/Co...9nz/index.html

“In Tanzania election, COVID-19 denialism an 'excuse to clamp down' on dissent” ~ by Rumbi Chakamba // 06 November 2020
➥ https://www.devex.com/news/in-tanzan...-dissent-98418

[Montanan]

Originally Posted by Scotty Kiwi

So, with vaccine distribution starting mid December 20 and we hope accelerating through to mid 2021, when will various countries start to ease travel restrictions?

I'm hoping, if the 2% most vulnerable of the total population are protected in December, and a further 4% in January, with the rest of the population being less vulnerable and able to accept some risk, travel restrictions (and port entry restrictions) will be eased toward the end of January 2021, at least in the countries with solid health care.

Thoughts?

I trust Dr. Fauci's guidance.

As to when things get back to being closer to normal in the USA. I would project late Fall 2021, but if and only if, 65 to 70% of the population is willing AND able to be vaccinated as soon as each person is provided access based on their specific priority criteria and if supply is adequate [Pfizer's ultra cold storage makes that vaccine a logistical nightmare]. Worldwide normality by mid to late 2022, if we are lucky.

When will I be able to get vaccinated?
That depends on your job, your age and your health.

The vaccines could begin to be distributed as soon as late December to those in high-risk groups — an estimated 200 million people — who will receive priority, according to a framework devised by an advisory committee to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Government officials said that if both vaccines are authorized, they anticipate having enough doses for 20 million people by year’s end.

The exact criteria for who will be first in line will be defined immediately after a vaccine is authorized, but the general principles have been discussed for months. You may qualify for earlier access because of your job: Health-care workers and first responders are likely to be among those prioritized. People who have essential jobs, such as teachers and food workers; those who are at higher risk because of their age; and those who have underlying conditions that increase their risk for severe disease are also likely to receive earlier access.

Healthy younger adults who don’t have medical conditions or high-risk jobs are likely to begin to get vaccinated starting in April, but not everyone will be able to get the shots immediately. And children aren’t even included in most coronavirus vaccine trials — Pfizer is the first company to expand its trial to people 12 and older — so they probably will be among the last to get access.

“I would say starting in April, May, June, July — as we get into the late spring and early summer — that people in the so-called general population, who do not have underlying conditions or other designations that would make them priority, could get” shots, said Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Key word above "could", will is an entirely another issue. Given the incredibly poor acceptance of simple social distancing and wearing of mask safety protocols, getting the vast number of Covidiots to get their two doses of the vaccine will be a major societal hurdle. As an employer, we are discussing whether we can make taking a vaccine a mandate for continued employment. I suspect that schools will require proof of vaccination before allowing pupils to reenter the campuses and that is what I desire to require for my work places.

"Americans' willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19 rebounded a bit in October, as seen in Gallup polling conducted before Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna made promising announcements about the likely effectiveness of their coronavirus vaccines. Fifty-eight percent of Americans in the latest poll say they would get a COVID-19 vaccine, up from a low of 50% in September." And not surprisingly that the 48% of antivaxers, this being an election year, there is a marked difference as to willingness to be vaccinated by political party line affiliation, Red States may be slow to be protected; unfortunately, I'll likely be needing to persuade many of my fellow Montanans to get their shots. Just the facts of life in Cowboy country and rugged individualism mindsets. Reference the recent Gallop poll info here: https://news.gallup.com/poll/325208/...d-vaccine.aspx

[stevensuf]

Considering that it appears natural immunity is very short lived, i wonder how long immunity from the vaccine will last?


Sure , the study shows the vaccine is effective, but no one knows for how long or any long term side effects.

[Montanan]

Hawaii imposes new COVID-19 travel restrictions

Anyone flying to Hawaii will be required to have a negative COVID-19 test result prior to their departure for the state, with the new rule going into effect two days before Thanksgiving, Gov. David Ige announced Thursday.

Until now, passengers flying to the islands using a pre-travel testing program were permitted to arrive and then upload their negative test results to a state database, allowing them to skip two weeks of quarantine.

However, some travelers who arrived in Hawaii without their test results wound up later testing positive. That, in part, prompted the rule change, Ige said at a news conference,

The new program goes into effect Tuesday, just ahead of the holiday.

To bypass the 14-day quarantine, travelers must have the correct type of COVID-19 negative test results from one of the state’s trusted testing partners, Ige said.

“If test results are not available before boarding the final leg of their trip, the traveler must quarantine for 14 days or the length of the stay, whichever runs shorter,” he said.

Those who arrive without having their negative test results before departure will not be able to skip quarantine, even if their negative results become available shortly after they arrive.

Passenger have always had the option to not get tested at all and quarantine in their hotel rooms or homes upon arrival. Travelers will continue to have that option.

[Montanan]

Copied from Joli's posting https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...um+-+Emails%29
BViI's A Word of Caution.

It's being reported that the BVI government is impounding and fining any boats sailing in their waters. Do not cross into their territorial waters without express permission from the BVI government. Fines are reported to be $20,000 to $50,000.

Boaters are advised to not sail in the BVI's exclusion zone. Covid-19 protocol.
https://bvi.gov.vg/media-centre/boat...exclusion-zone