No changes for upcoming cruise season yet but Premier says discussions are ongoing

By Matthew Moore

The Premier of Nova Scotia said all options are being looked at as the first cruise ship is expected to arrive in Halifax just one month from today.

On April 11th, the Port of Halifax is scheduled to welcome the Norwegian Dawn, a vessel that can carry over 2,000 passengers and crew.

McNeil told reporters today after cabinet meetings that Health Canada, the province and the Port of Halifax have had ongoing discussions about how to proceed as the cases of COVID-19 continue to rise nationwide.

“It may be such a thing as that we don't receive them, or if we do, what are the protocols,” McNeil said.

He adds that if a vessel did come to port with someone who had fallen ill, the next steps would be up to the discretion of Nova Scotia's Chief Medical Officer of Health, Robert Strang.

If we have someone who is on the cruise ship that arrives with it [COVID-19], then we figure out how we deal with it,” McNeil said.

Meanwhile, the Port of Halifax confirmed that as of today, there are no operational changes and there have been no vessel cancellations.

Spokesperson Lane Farguson added the port will take direction from the Public Health Agency of Canada and will act appropriately as the situation continues to evolve.

McNeil said this topic will be brought up when he meets with other premiers on Thursday and Friday.

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