CLIA members will deny boarding to anyone who has travelled from or through mainland China within the previous 14 days, the association has stated.

The decision has been made in light of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) declaration of the coronavirus as a global health emergency.

In a statement CLIA said: “The safety and health of passengers is the number one priority of CLIA members.

“CLIA and its member lines maintain close contact with health professionals and regulators around the world, including the WHO, and are continually assessing and modifying policies and procedures as developments emerge.

“This includes the modification of itineraries, where needed, in light of evolving circumstances, as well as health, travel and contact screening where appropriate, for guests and crew who have recently traveled from or through the affected area consistent with prevailing guidance from global health authorities.

“Screening protocols allow for informed decisions on a case-by-case basis whether a guest or crew member will be denied boarding.

“CLIA members have suspended crew movements from mainland China and will deny boarding to any individual, whether guest or crew, who has travelled from or through mainland China within the previous 14 days.

“Importantly, the cruise industry is one of the most well-equipped and experienced when it comes to managing and monitoring health conditions of passengers and crew. Cruise lines take precautions to conduct passive as well as active screening of passengers and crew for illness prior to boarding when circumstances demand.

“Furthermore, CLIA members implement outbreak prevention and response measures and their ships must be fitted with medical facilities, shipboard and shore side medical professionals available around the clock, 24/7, to provide initial medical care in the event of illness and prevent disease transmission.”

MSC Cruises has also announced that it will redeploy its grand voyage embarkation to Singapore, instead of Shanghai.

How far has it spread?

As of 31 January, the virus had spread to over 100 people in 21 countries outside of China, including two cases in the UK.

Cases of the virus have reached nearly 10,000 in China.

83 UK citizens from China have arrived in the UK and are being  being taken to a hospital in Wirral and quarantined for 14 days.

For the latest Coronavirus travel and safety information, visit the FOC website.