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All cruise ships directed to remain at sea where they are being sequestered 'indefinitely'

Posted at 9:25 AM, Apr 01, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-01 11:24:05-04

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard has directed all cruise ships to prepare to treat any sick passengers and crew on board while being sequestered “indefinitely" offshore during the coronavirus pandemic..

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The new rules require daily updates on each ship's caseload.

They also come with a stiff warning: Any foreign-flagged vessels “that loiter beyond U.S. territorial seas" should try first to medically evacuate the very sick to the countries where they are registered.

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Many of South Florida's cruise ships are registered in the Bahamas. The Coast Guard says shore-side facilities are stressed and patients may be more comfortable being treated onboard.