CLIA Requesting Your Support to Urge Congress to Aid in the Return of Cruising in the United States

[ahain]

Sent my letter.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

It appears that 4 months into vaccinations starting, we are still under 15% of the population who have been vaccinated.
Hopefully more vaccine will be made available and we will meet the President's goal of a July 1st having secured enough vaccine for every American who wants it to get it..
Forget the CDC, until that happens, talking cruising resuming is a waste of time. And I am very worried about the increase in infections in the U.S. (thanks Spring Breakers) and the disaster some nations such as Brazil and France are in with covid right now.

I look at it a little differently. Vaccinations are rapidly accelerating in the US, so the CDC should be working with the cruiselines to get them that technical guidance so they can be ready to go when the percent vaccinated reaches a level that would allow safer travel. The cruiselines will have to call back workers and make sure they are all vaccinated, which will take time. If changes need to be made to ships, that takes time. The CDC needs to be addressing this sooner rather than later.

In my state, 25% of the total population is vaccinated and they only opened vaccinations to people under 40 today, outside of occupations given priority that have been eligible for a couple months. 70% of people 70 and over are vaccinated. I got my first dose a week ago and my 17 year old daughter will get her first dose on Wednesday.

I expect that percent of the toal population vaccinated is going to shoot up soon. So it's time to look forward.

 

[cgolf]

I think that I would be more likely to help the cruiseline industry if the major players would be American companies paying taxes in America and registering their ships in America. Funny how they are all complaining about the American rules preventing their foreign companies from making money. In case you didn't know it Carnival Corporation is incorporated in Panama, Royal Caribbean Liberia, and Norwegian Bermuda. Their ships (including Disney) are not even registered in America.

edited spelling

If I remember correctly there is a law that says to register in the US the ships would have to be US built. Since there aren't any cruise line ship builders in the US that isn't possible. I could have this confused with another law though. The NCL ship in Hawaii had to get a specific waver to be able to only cruise Hawaii. So for them to register here, laws would need to change.

 

[tvguy]

I look at it a little differently. Vaccinations are rapidly accelerating in the US, so the CDC should be working with the cruiselines to get them that technical guidance so they can be ready to go when the percent vaccinated reaches a level that would allow safer travel. The cruiselines will have to call back workers and make sure they are all vaccinated, which will take time. If changes need to be made to ships, that takes time. The CDC needs to be addressing this sooner rather than later.

In my state, 25% of the total population is vaccinated and they only opened vaccinations to people under 40 today, outside of occupations given priority that have been eligible for a couple months. 70% of people 70 and over are vaccinated. I got my first dose a week ago and my 17 year old daughter will get her first dose on Wednesday.

I expect that percent of the toal population vaccinated is going to shoot up soon. So it's time to look forward.

My state will open vaccines to those over 50 on April 1. And those over 16 on April 15. So by April 15th will will have four tiers open, HOWEVER Kaiser is closing (not opening actually) some of their mass vaccine clinics because there is no vaccine.
Crew members are International in nature, many from nations that have no vaccine programs or vaccine at all yet. Your state is a good example, it has taken 4 months to get to 25% vaccinated, we need to get to 80% according to the experts to have a handle on things. Unless vaccine supplies increase, using your state as an example, it will be almost the end of 2021 before we hit our goal. Until they know what the situation might be, how can they issue guidelines?

 

[cgolf]

My state will open vaccines to those over 50 on April 1. And those over 16 on April 15. So by April 15th will will have four tiers open, HOWEVER Kaiser is closing (not opening actually) some of their mass vaccine clinics because there is no vaccine.
Crew members are International in nature, many from nations that have no vaccine programs or vaccine at all yet. Your state is a good example, it has taken 4 months to get to 25% vaccinated, we need to get to 80% according to the experts to have a handle on things. Unless vaccine supplies increase, using your state as an example, it will be almost the end of 2021 before we hit our goal. Until they know what the situation might be, how can they issue guidelines?

The old phrase the check is in the mail comes to mind. We keep hearing that the vaccine supply will ramp up so everyone can get vaccinated by July. Fingers crossed it it isn't just words and will be reality for all. I was lucky to get my spot inline, 2nd dose in less than 2 weeks. My thoughts were that the states were surprised by the statement it would be available to everyone by May. Here after that was said we had multiple groups have the timeline moved up, but unfortunately it doesn't sound like the vaccine supply changed at all.

 

[tvguy]

The old phrase the check is in the mail comes to mind. We keep hearing that the vaccine supply will ramp up so everyone can get vaccinated by July. Fingers crossed it it isn't just words and will be reality for all. I was lucky to get my spot inline, 2nd dose in less than 2 weeks. My thoughts were that the states were surprised by the statement it would be available to everyone by May. Here after that was said we had multiple groups have the timeline moved up, but unfortunately it doesn't sound like the vaccine supply changed at all.

Kaiser was supposed to open up a mass vaccination clinic tomorrow at The Stockton Arena. Opening has been postponed. Vaccine they were expecting to get, isn't coming. https://www.recordnet.com/story/new...permanente-vaccine-supply-delayed/7040665002/

 

[ahain]

In Michigan, we are at 31% of total population vaccinated. As of April 5, "all areas of the state may, as vaccine supplies are available, implement vaccination of all people aged 16 and up who were not previously eligible. "

 

[PrincessShmoo]

If Disney wanted to they could also have one ship registered in America paying American taxes.

Well, no.....

If I remember correctly there is a law that says to register in the US the ships would have to be US built.

This is correct. The ship for the Hawaii cruises managed to get a waiver, if I recall correctly, because the hull was actually started in the US and then moved to a foreign port for completion.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

My state will open vaccines to those over 50 on April 1. And those over 16 on April 15. So by April 15th will will have four tiers open, HOWEVER Kaiser is closing (not opening actually) some of their mass vaccine clinics because there is no vaccine.
Crew members are International in nature, many from nations that have no vaccine programs or vaccine at all yet. Your state is a good example, it has taken 4 months to get to 25% vaccinated, we need to get to 80% according to the experts to have a handle on things. Unless vaccine supplies increase, using your state as an example, it will be almost the end of 2021 before we hit our goal. Until they know what the situation might be, how can they issue guidelines?

In my state, supplies of the vaccines are increasing, and that was my point. It may have taken us 4 month to get to 25% overall, but the 70 and up group is at 70%. Now that eligibility for 16 and up is open, that 25% will quickly increase. It wont take another 4 months to get from 25% to 50%. My guess is we will get there in the next 4 weeks.

My doctor's office received their first shipment of vaccines last week. A couple of friends reported they'd also received notices from their primary care doctors about vaccine being available for the first time. Prior to this, vaccine was only available from health departments, hospitals, and pharmacies. Our Children's hospital that hasn't had vaccine doses in weeks emailed last week that they'd received a shipment and could start scheduling appointments for anyone 16 -20 years old. There are vaccine sites in some areas of the state where vaccine supply is exceeding the demand, so these sites were given permission to offer the vaccine to anyone 16 and over prior to that age group being eligible. Soon, vaccines will be redirected away from areas where supply is more than demand and to the areas where people are still struggling to get appointments.

I don't know why California isnt experiencing the increase in supply that other areas of the country have, but the supply is increasing.

I don't know how vaccines for workers from other countries will be handled. But I have seen a few articles lately that say there will be a glut of vaccine supply in the US, likely by summer, and the excess supply will be redirected to other countries. And there's no reason the CDC needs to wait until 80% of the population is vaccinated to give the technical guidance.

 

[mcd2745]

In Michigan, we are at 31% of total population vaccinated. As of April 5, "all areas of the state may, as vaccine supplies are available, implement vaccination of all people aged 16 and up who were not previously eligible. "

And what is the percentage for people over 65? Should be much higher. That's the real question. Because at the end of the day, everyone always seems to forget that the survival rate with this virus is better than 99.5% for those under 65 who do not have serious underlying medical conditions. So once just about all seniors are vaccinated, there is no reason to not go back to something that very closely resembles "normal". We don't need to wait until almost everyone is vaccinated. The danger associated with non-seniors contracting the virus was always, not necessarily for that person themselves, but that they could pass it on to grandma or grandpa. Once that is mitigated by having the senior population vaccinated, there is hardly any potential danger anymore.

 

[goofystitch]

The CDC ought to be considering natural immunity as well as it is a part of herd immunity.

 

[Cheburashka]

I’m from the state that made the study about back to school possible. They were small schools that could offer big spaces. Not workable in big city’s because nobody has or can afford that kind of space. Schools that fit the models are open here. Some only one day a week, others a full week. One size does not fit all.

Amen. I've been teaching in person full time since September in a classroom with 15 students (in the fall) - 21 students (winter) seated around 3 feet apart. Covid cases have popped up all year, classes have had to go into quarantine, including mine. It's a mess. Not saying schools shouldn't be open, but I do say that in-person teachers need to be toward the front of the line to get vaccinated.

 

[Cheburashka]

I sent my letter and I do think my senators and representative will be supportive.

It was very easy to do as the website has everything prepped for you. I hope everyone here will write in.

 

[Starport Seven-Five]

In Michigan, we are at 31% of total population vaccinated. As of April 5, "all areas of the state may, as vaccine supplies are available, implement vaccination of all people aged 16 and up who were not previously eligible. "

That 31% is only the first dose. Fully vaccinated is 19.2% for Michigan:

 

[tidefan]

I do wonder why for lines like the new Virgin Voyages that are adult only and plan to vaccinate their crew (easier for them as it is only 1 ship), if they decide to cruise with only vaccinated travelers, how that would go against CDC guidelines...

 

[Snowwhyt]

While this is partially true, some schools haven't started back as early as others because the teachers have stronger leadership and were able to fight coming back to onsite learning. Sadly it really wasn't about the kids anymore. We have seen this here where some large schools were back before some schools that were a bit smaller by a fair amount of time. It isn't 100% onsite, but at least the kids could get onsite. Luckily my DD was in college and they were already setup for virtual learning before the pandemic.

I only know about Wisconsin and we lost so much union strength, I would say they went from one of the strongest to now one of the weakest almost 10 years ago. Lost 1/3 of the staff from early retirement. So most of the staffs in their 30’s. My daughter could choose on-site or off for college also. The governor has been very helpful in Wisconsin since he was a teacher in our state.

Well, no.....

I’m sure you don’t intend to sound short with me, but could you elaborate on your comment. Are you saying Disney can absolutely never have a US ship? I get the feeling that’s what you mean by saying “no” it’s such a definitive.

Amen. I've been teaching in person full time since September in a classroom with 15 students (in the fall) - 21 students (winter) seated around 3 feet apart. Covid cases have popped up all year, classes have had to go into quarantine, including mine. It's a mess. Not saying schools shouldn't be open, but I do say that in-person teachers need to be toward the front of the line to get vaccinated.

I absolutely agree, vaccinate the teachers! They gave our teachers shots almost 6 weeks ago. They’re all duly vaccinated by now. Substitutes also.

 

[Canadian Girl]

Canada has posted an update that the hospitals in some locations are full with younger people infected with the variant. These types seem to be more contagious and don’t discriminate as to age. I am concerned with the survival stats many keep throwing out. Things are evolving and not necessarily in good ways. Hopefully when most are vaccinated, things will turn around. I can’t see Canada reopening borders until that happens. Unfortunately, we are behind the US in rollout, but a much higher percentage, nearly ninety percent want to be vaccinated vs a much lower number in the US.

 

[tidefan]

Canada has posted an update that the hospitals in some locations are full with younger people infected with the variant. These types seem to be more contagious and don’t discriminate as to age. I am concerned with the survival stats many keep throwing out. Things are evolving and not necessarily in good ways. Hopefully when most are vaccinated, things will turn around. I can’t see Canada reopening borders until that happens. Unfortunately, we are behind the US in rollout, but a much higher percentage, nearly ninety percent want to be vaccinated vs a much lower number in the US.

Our Hospital here has gone from a high of over 200 inpatients with COVID in late January down to just 10 as of yesterday. I do think that the vaccination drive is making a difference.

For comparison, look at Israel. They were at 9000+ cases a day a couple months ago. They have now fully vaccinated over half their population and their case numbers are down in the 100-200 per day range. Also, look at the numbers in the rest of Europe compared to the UK.

I think it's going to depend country to country. Unfortunately, cruises have to visit multiple countries...

 

[sabrecmc]

https://nymag.com/intelligencer/202...-vaccinated-dont-carry-cant-spread-virus.html
“Vaccinated people do not carry the virus — they don’t get sick,” Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, told MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow on Tuesday. That’s “not just in the clinical trials, but it’s also in real-world data.”

Seems like a ship full of vaccinated people should be ok? Obviously, under 16 still can't get the vaccine, so that's still an issue, but good news.

 

[AquaDame]

https://nymag.com/intelligencer/202...-vaccinated-dont-carry-cant-spread-virus.html
“Vaccinated people do not carry the virus — they don’t get sick,” Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, told MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow on Tuesday. That’s “not just in the clinical trials, but it’s also in real-world data.”

Seems like a ship full of vaccinated people should be ok? Obviously, under 16 still can't get the vaccine, so that's still an issue, but good news.

I'd say very good news... [edit] Just realized which thread I'm on... we all got waaaaaay off topic! Mind taking this to the vaccine thread instead..?