STB Investigating Possible Breach of COVID-19 Rules in a Royal Caribbean Cruise

By
Zhi Hao
-

Singapore may have finally eased into the highly-anticipated Phase 3, but we should not become lax in our fight against the pandemic. After all, there have been numerous instances of how complacency could ruin everything.

One wrong move, and we could all return to the Stone Age… or in other words the ‘Circuit Breaker’ era.

And yet, it appears that the revelation of Phase 3 has clouded the judgment of several individuals.

Though for the sake of the next phase, we certainly hope that it’s a mere one-time occurrence.

STB Investigating Possible Breach of COVID-19 Rules in a Royal Caribbean Cruise

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is currently investigating a possible violation of pandemic-related measures on a Royal Carribean cruise.

Apparently, a group of more than 10 men and women had convened for a photo-taking session on 20 and 21 December while aboard the ship.

They were unmasked at the time, and failed to comply with the mandatory 1m spacing rule.

Though the emergence of Phase 3 has allowed for a slight easing of rules, gatherings of more than eight people are still not allowed.

It should also be noted that the incident took place before Phase 3 officially kicked in. During Phase 2, the maximum group capacity was limited to just five individuals.

As such, STB has started to look into the matter.

“We take a serious view of any breach in safe management measures on cruises departing from Singapore. The safety of passengers and crew is our priority, and regular on-board inspections are conducted during sailings to ensure compliance,” said Ms Annie Chang, STB’s director of cruise.

It should be noted that cruise lines which fail to adhere to STB’s CruiseSafe penalty framework may be subject to penalties such as fines, suspension of sailings and even the revocation of their CruiseSafe certification.

Acknowledgement

A Royal Caribbean International spokesman has since acknowledged the incident, and stated that it is currently holding its own investigations as well.

“The recent breach in safe distancing measures seems to have been an instance where a group gathered for some pictures,” said the cruise operator.

“We would like to remind our guests that any failure to comply with the rules will lead to enforcement action, including being denied boarding or removal from the ship.”

Similar Instances

It’s worrying that a similar incident did not just occur in recent times, but mere days after the cruise deed occurred.

Apparently, a group of 10 people was filmed gathering in close proximity while aboard a yacht last Saturday (26 December 2020).

None of them wore a mask, though three did don Christmas hats.

It should be noted that Christmas hats, though festive and jolly, are not exactly suitable for ongoing safety regulations.

Instead, face masks are preferred due to their practicality and year-round functionality.

Also, they look better on every occasion other than Christmas.

A spokesman for The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has since stated that it’s aware of the video.

Investigations are currently ongoing.

“MPA takes a serious view of any breach of Covid-19 regulations and will not hesitate to take action against such breaches,” the spokesman added.

“MPA regularly patrols our waters. We urge the public, as well as vessel owners and operators, to be responsible and comply with all Covid-19 safe management measures including wearing a mask, and adhering to passenger limits on board pleasure crafts.”

Featured Image: Igor Grochev / Shutterstock.com (Image is for illustration purpose only)

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Zhi Hao
Email: [email protected]