Tuesday, at a press conference, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis pushed for international travel restrictions to be lifted and cruises to resume and said he’s been in touch with the White House about how to do it.
The statement from the governor comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s no-sail order is set to expire this weekend, however the CDC has not given any indication as to whether it will extend the order.
DeSantis acknowledged that it is more high risk than attending other outdoor gatherings, but said he thinks cruising can be done safely.
“Obviously, that is going to be an environment that is a different level of risk than going to an outdoor football game or some of these other things,” DeSantis said. “It has all kinds of impacts throughout different parts of Florida where the ships leave. Central Florida, South Florida, Tampa Bay. And we want to see that resume. So, I’ve worked with the White House on that. I do believe the president is supportive of it.”
With advances in rapid testing and airline cleaning protocols, DeSantis said relaxing rules about travelers would help Central Florida, particularly entertainment venues that have also stepped up efforts to fight the spread of COVID-19.
DeSantis said he thinks rapid tests could be helpful in getting the cruise industry back into business and said if a cruise line wanted to test everyone on board, they could.
The governor pointed to the economic value the industry brings to the state as the reason why he has been working to get cruises going again.
DeSantis said he’s worked with the White House on the issue and believes the president is supportive of it.
The “no sail” order, initially issued in March, has been extended three times. Currently, no major cruise lines are selling departures for November out of U.S. ports.