US Court Rules "State Governments Must Follow CDC Cruise Ship Health Guidelines"

Florida's 'Cruise Ship Operation Resumption' Conflict Resolved in Favor of Federal Government

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The Florida state government's attempt to disregard the U.S. federal government's COVID-19 prevention guidelines has been halted.

According to foreign media on the 18th (local time), the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals abruptly stayed the enforcement of a lower court ruling that "the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot impose COVID-19 prevention guidelines related to cruise ships on the state."

The U.S. federal district court sided with the Florida state government last month in the first trial concerning the conflict over the resumption of cruise ship operations. At that time, the court stated that Florida had a very strong possibility of proving that the CDC overstepped its authority when introducing the relevant regulations.

Accordingly, the CDC's regulations related to the resumption of cruise ships were set to become non-binding recommendations starting on the 18th. Foreign media reported, "The appellate court's conflicting decision came just 10 minutes before the enforcement of the lower court ruling."

Previously, the CDC began approving the resumption of operations for some cruise ships starting in May after consulting with the cruise industry on health and safety procedures.

However, the approval came with stringent conditions. Cruise operators had to ensure that at least 95% of passengers and nearly all crew members were vaccinated to bypass the simulated sailing procedures and resume operations more quickly.

The U.S. Department of Justice conveyed to the appellate court that "there is no reason to lift the COVID-19 health and safety procedures developed collaboratively by the CDC and the industry."

Cruise ships have been criticized as hotbeds for the virus. Florida, the base for cruise operators and a Republican-led state, filed a lawsuit as local economies were impacted by the prevention regulations.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.