SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Thursday it is extending a ban on cruise ships operating in U.S. territory through September.
The ban was set to end next week, but the agency extended the ban as coronavirus cases rise in 40 states.
Florida and California, where many cruises originate or end, both set records for new daily COVID-19 cases recently.
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The CDC says the ban on cruise ship operations will be in effect until, "the expiration of the Secretary of Health and Human Services’ declaration that COVID-19 constitutes a public health emergency," "the CDC Director rescinds or modifies the order based on specific public health or other considerations," or Sept. 30.
Some cruise lines had already canceled scheduled sailings until Sept. 15 over ongoing discussions with federal officials on how to restart business safely, the Associated Press reported.
The Port of San Diego estimates that each cruise ship that visits San Diego generates about $600,000 in regional economic impact, including local shopping, restaurant businesses, and other expenses.
Nearly 30 cruises were canceled due to the pandemic, costing about $1 million in lost revenue for the Port of San Diego alone, according to Brianne Page, a public information officer for the Port of San Diego. The cost to regional economic impact could be as high as $42 million.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.