Large cruises banned in Canada at least until Oct. 31
OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Canada's transport minister says large cruises will continue to be prohibited from operating in Canadian waters until at least Oct. 31 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Transport Minister Marc Garneau said Friday that the order applies to cruise ships with overnight accommodations and more than 100 passengers and crew.
The move extends and expands an order issued in mid-March that barred ships with more than 500 passengers from Canadian waters until July.
Smaller ships will be allowed to operate after July 1, but only with the permission of provincial and regional health officials.
However, vessels with more than 12 passengers will be barred from going to the Arctic until at least Oct. 31, for fear that one might carry the virus to a remote northern community.