Viking Cruises installs first COVID-19 PCR Laboratory at sea

[Travelerstory]

Found this on CruiseMapper.com:  Viking Cruises completed the installation of the first full-scale COVID-19 PCR laboratory at sea on its Viking Star ship.  

The new facility allows for unprecedented testing capacity for all crew and guests. The laboratory is able to do non-invasive saliva tests and has enough capacity for everyone onboard.

Matt Grimes, Vice President of Maritime Operations for Viking Cruises, said:

“We have been working on this for a number of months, and today is important as it moves us one step closer to operating cruises again, without compromising the safety of our guests and crew.

"The recently announced CDC guidelines are clearly aligned with our public health research, and we welcome the agency’s push toward testing, as we believe this is the only way to safely operate. In our view, continuous PCR testing, along with our extensive onboard hygiene protocols, will lead to making Viking ships a safe place to get away to and explore the world.”

The lab will undergo a series of extensive trials to make sure that new measures are effective and can keep passengers and crew safe during sailing. From mid-November 2020, Viking will be showcasing the facility when Viking Star sails to Oslo, Norway.

 

Although, it not safe to assume, I would think they will be placing these labs into all of their ships.  

[Heidi13]

This was discussed extensively on the Viking Board, when it was announced by the Chairman on Dec 8th. Here are 3 links you may find of interest, as they probably provide more details than the one you mentioned.

• Dec 8th announcement on Viking TV
• Health & Safety Program from Viking Website
• 2 threads from the Viking Board

 

https://viking.tv/tv/our-viking-family/tors-corner/viking-health-safety-program

 

https://www.vikingcruisescanada.com/oceans/my-trip/health-and-safety/health-and-safety-program.html

 

 

 

[Travelerstory]

Andy Judi thank you