Carnival Vista cruise line says it handles ‘small number’ of positive COVID-19 cases on board

GALVESTON, Texas (KTRK) – A “small number” of positive COVID-19 cases have been reported aboard a Carnival Vista cruise ship that departed from Galveston, the company has confirmed.

According to a statement released on Wednesday, the cruise line implemented an updated mask policy when the cases were reported.

The exact number of positive cases was not immediately disclosed. The cruise ship departed from Galveston.

“Our pre-established protocols of vaccinated guests and crew, testing, improved medical capabilities and contact tracing anticipated the potential for positive cases, and they are designed to accommodate a variety of scenarios,” the statement said. “We have identified and tested close contacts and anyone who tests positive is isolated. “

Carnival said its decision to implement the mask policy was made “with great caution.”

The company said the cruise will continue as planned

Meanwhile, Carnival has said it will continue with vaccinated cruises as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which include a fully vaccinated crew.

However, all guests will be asked to wear masks in certain interior areas of Carnival ships.

The cruise line has also added a requirement for pre-cruise testing for all vaccinated guests.

More details on the cruise line’s COVID protocols can be found at The Carnival website.

NOTE: The video above is from a previous ABC13 report released on July 5 detailing Carnival Vista’s plans to keep passengers safe as the company prepares to resume the cruise.