Coronavirus

Cruises suspended in Brazil until February due to Omicron spike

Cruises are set to be suspended at least until February 4. Photo: Social media
Cruises are set to be suspended at least until February 4. Photo: Social media

Brazilian cruise liner association Clia said this Thursday that it will extend its suspension of cruises in Brazil until at least February 4, amid a spate of new Covid-19 infections. The previous suspension, announced on January 3, established the end of restrictions by January 21. 

Clia’s update came one day after Brazil’s health regulator Anvisa recommended a full suspension of the cruise season to curb the spread of the new mutation. Anvisa says at least 1,117 people have tested positive for the coronavirus on board the five ships currently operating in Brazil — 97 percent of those cases were reported between December 26 and January 6. According to Clia, the sector expected around 360,000 passengers on cruises this summer.