02/03/2020
Visit Isle of Man welcomes the arrival of Fridtjof Nansen from Hurtigruten Cruises to Manx shores today. Fridtjof Nansen is the first cruise ship of the 2020 schedule to visit the Isle of Man.
Isle of Man Government would like to reassure members of the public about protective measures in place for cruise visits to the Island in relation to COVID-19. The government is continuing to work closely with Public Health England on measures to contain coronavirus infection, including following clear guidance and procedures for cruise ships. This includes embarkation protocols for staff and guests.
Guidance from Public Health England and the Cruise Line Association, implemented by cruise companies, states that people who have visited a list of high-risk countries will not be allowed to board, and that screening is being undertaken where appropriate. Consequently, there is no need for additional screening for passengers coming ashore to the Isle of Man. Passengers travelling to and from the UK and Ireland via air and sea links are also not required to be screened.
At present the risk from COVID-19 to the Isle of Man remains low, with a cross-government working group regularly reviewing the situation. However as this is an evolving situation with a new strain of virus, the public is encouraged to check for updates regularly at: www.gov.im/coronavirus The website is updated daily.
Cruise ships are following international guidance which has been updated with regard to COVID-19, to include screening questionnaires.