The mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Paes, said this Thursday (13) that he respects the recommendation of the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) to cancel the cruise season this summer, which is suspended by decision of companies in the sector.
“I think Anvisa has an important role in the pandemic and the decisions they make [profissionais da agência] take them, we will comply”, said Paes, adding that the issue of cruises “has always been problematic”.
The position that asked for the definitive suspension of ship voyages this season took place on Wednesday (12). This Thursday, the industry association announced the extension of the suspension of cruise ship activities until February 4th.
According to Anvisa, in an official statement, there is an assessment constantly made by the agency regarding the evolution of the epidemiological scenario of the coronavirus on ships around the world, and that the increase in contagion indicates that there is an extension of the restriction.
“It is observed that the scenario has become even more challenging, especially in view of the vertiginous increase in the number of cases on vessels and in Brazil,” said the agency.
On December 31, 2021, the Agency had already recommended to the federal government the temporary suspension of cruises.
Before the government’s decision, the companies themselves, through the Brazilian Association of Cruise Ships (CLIA), made the decision to interrupt the cruise season until January 21.
At the time, the allegation was of “uncertainties in the interpretation and application of previously approved protocols”. The initial forecast was that the season would resume after the established date.
The final decision on whether or not to maintain the season after January 21 is not Anvisa’s, but the inter-ministerial group formed by the Civil House, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Infrastructure.
A CNN has already requested a position from the ministries to find out if they will heed the recommendation, but received no response. It is also awaiting feedback from CLIA on the recommendation.
Reference: CNN Brasil
