Cruise ship season on off B.C.’s coast is set to begin, but things are in a state of flux.
Victoria’s first scheduled cruise ship of the 2020 season is floating near San Francisco over COVID-19-related issues involving previous passengers.
And people are still reeling after the situation involving two passengers who were aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan who had to be quarantined in B.C.
Government agencies around the world are grappling with the issue of travel and COVID-19.
Into this walks my sweet octogenarian mother, who is set to go on a cruise in a couple of months. She’s put down a deposit and it’s getting closer to the time for pay for the entire thing.
She still wants to go and I’m, of course, freaking out over the idea.
Am I wrong? Am I being too neurotic?
Some cruise lines are dealing with the issue. Disney just announced it is allowing passengers to cancel up to 24 hours before a cruise – a temporary fix.
I just hate the idea of my mom travelling, especially on a cruise ship, even if it is not for another couple of months. Things could get a lot better. Then again, things could also get a lot worse.
Asked if she had any advice for anyone thinking of travelling anytime soon, Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s top medical health officer, urged people to check the Canadian government's website.
"People should understand the risk and know your own tolerance (for getting sick or being quarantined)," she added.
"I would have a low tolerance for lots of international travel (just now)."
I also have a “low tolerance” when it comes to thinking about the health of my mom. I also feel like a hypocrite because I’ve been preaching calm to people here in Metro Vancouver, but am also feeling panicked at the idea of my mom travelling.
This is the state of things in our world as COVID-19 continues to spread.
Follow Chris Campbell on Twitter @shinebox44.
