USA Today documents the process for how cruise ships are cleaned in the wake of coronavirus contamination. This process includes:
- Disinfecting surfaces throughout the inside of the ship, especially “high-touch” surfaces
- Cleaning every room individually and completely by rubbing down surfaces and spraying disinfectant, and cordoning each room off so that they are not re-infected
- Removing all linens and loose products such as bedding and pillows which could contain contaminants
- Disinfecting air ducts throughout the ship
- Thoroughly cleaning all flooring, including carpets, throughout the ship
While the sanitization process may take longer after a coronavirus outbreak, cleaning a cruise ship is a critical safety precaution that should never be rushed.
Sanitizing a Cruise Ship Takes Time
According to USA Today, it took nearly a month from the date that Princess Cruises’ Diamond Princess was de-boarded until the completion of its sanitization. This is a sign of the thoroughness that coronavirus contamination should be treated with, but it also speaks to the difficulty of cleaning a vessel as large as a cruise ship in an effective way.
According to Princess Cruises, the Diamond Princess holds 2,670 guests and 1,100 crew members, with areas of the ship dedicated to cabins, communal dining, and various forms of entertainment such as nightclubs, lounges, and theaters. This represents a potential plethora of contamination spots, with areas of communal gathering being especially problematic for possible coronavirus infection.
In light of this, sanitization efforts must be:
- Well-conceived
- Thorough
- Deliberate
- Completed regardless of expense
Yet, thorough sanitization efforts were foregone, apparently for the sake of expediency, as a number of cruise ships became hot zones for coronavirus outbreaks.
Several Cruise Lines Traded Safety for Revenue in Recent Months
As the earliest reports about the coronavirus arose in American and global media, it became clear that several cruises were hotspots of contamination. Some of the cruise ships reported to be locations of significant coronavirus outbreak were:
- Princess Cruises’ Diamond Princess (USA Today)
- Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess (Washington Post)
- Princess Cruises’ Grand Princess (USA Today)
- Costa Cruises’ Costa Luminosa (USA Today)
- Holland America’s MS Zaandam (USA Today)
The missteps of various cruise lines vary on a case-by-case basis; however, according to National Public Radio (NPR), some of the most prominent cases of negligence included:
- Failing to warn onboarding passengers of one or more previous cases of coronavirus on the ship
- Failing to screen passengers before allowing them to board
- Failing to take quick action to contain coronavirus once outbreaks on active journeys became apparent
- Failing to take the time necessary to sanitize cruise ships, especially after known coronavirus cases were on board
- Failing to provide accurate information regarding the number of sick passengers, of which at least one case resulted in premature de-boarding and the spread of coronavirus from the cruise ship to the mainland
It is not yet clear who, exactly, is responsible for these failures and the coronavirus infections that they may have enabled. Decisions about what actions to take, and not to take, with respect to coronavirus likely varied on a company-by-company or vessel-by-vessel basis. Time may ultimately determine who is accountable for such potentially negligent decisions.
You Could Be Eligible for a Coronavirus Cruise Ship Lawsuit
Being aware of how cruise ships are cleaned to remove remnants of coronavirus may give you better insight into shortcomings by cruise lines that could have:
- Caused you to be infected with coronavirus
- Caused your loved one to be infected with coronavirus
- Exposed you or a loved one to the imminent danger of infection
- Directly caused a coronavirus outbreak on a mainland linked to your infection or your loved one’s infection
You or your loved one may have grounds for a coronavirus-related lawsuit if you:
- Were onboard a ship where a coronavirus outbreak occurred
- Were infected with coronavirus by someone who caught coronavirus on a cruise ship
- Were infected with coronavirus under circumstances that can be linked to one or more cruise lines
If you would like to learn more about your eligibility to bring an individual lawsuit or join a class-action lawsuit, a lawyer may be able to assist you.
How a Lawyer May Assist You With a Coronavirus Lawsuit
If you are considering taking legal action because of cruise ship-related coronavirus infection or exposure, then a lawyer may:
- Answer questions you have about your eligibility for a lawsuit
- Address your concerns about taking legal action
- Help you identify the course of action that suits your specific circumstances
- Initiate any individual lawsuit that you have a basis to bring
- Help you join any class-action lawsuits which you are eligible to join
- Represent you throughout the legal process
- Defend your rights
Call Our Team at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers Today
Our partners will work with you directly. Coronavirus can have a devastating effect, and we will help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your losses. Call our team at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers today at (855) 529-0269 for a free consultation regarding your potential case.