The ban on cruises from U.S. ports has been extended to the end of October as coronavirus cases increase. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a new "no sail" order until Oct. 31.
Cruises were originally suspended by the CDC in March after hundreds of passengers were infected and as many as 41 died. The CDC said the extended order was justified given recent outbreaks on cruise ships that had returned to service abroad.
"Recent outbreaks on cruise ships overseas provide current evidence that cruise ship travel continues to transmit and amplify the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19," the federal agency said.
The CDC said despite safety protocols adopted by cruise operators, outbreaks were still occurring. Allowing cruises to operate would lead to additional testing, contact tracing and isolations - which would further burden the country's health sector.
The New York Times reported CDC director Robert Redfield wanted to extend the order until the end of February. However, he was overruled by the White House. Opposite the CDC's proposal, state senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, have been pushing to have cruises resume to help the tourism and travel industries.
In Miami-Dade County, home of one of the country's busiest cruise ports, politicians have been calling for the government to support the resumption of cruises. Mayor Carlos Giménez said the industry was doing what it could and implementing "extraordinary" measures to ensure the safety of passengers.
After cruises were allowed to resume in Europe an outbreak was reported on board a Norwegian liner. Around 71 passengers and crew members tested positive - sparking a government-led investigation. Cruises were then canceled again until the end of the year.
