Carnival Cruise Line is making masks optional for guests.
The decision follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recent easing of warnings. Masks will not be required starting March 1 following a decline in onboard COVID cases, NBC News reports.
“There may, however, be certain venues and events where masks will be required,” Carnival said in a statement.
The company also added that children younger than 5 will not be required to be vaccinated to travel, and that it intends to be more flexible when it comes to pre-cruise testing requirements for passengers. Cruise operator Norwegian Cruise Line also adjusted its mask mandate recently, as did Disney World.
The news comes after Coachella and Stagecoach revealed they will drop all COVID-19 attendance restrictions for their 2022 fests, which kick off in April. Fans looking to see Ye, Billie Eilish, Harry Styles, and more will no longer need to be vaccinated, provide negative tests, or wear masks. The rule change was confirmed on a safety page alongside new guidelines.
“In accordance with local guidelines, there will be no vaccination, testing or masking requirements at Coachella 2022,” the site reads. “However, the event shall be presented in accordance with applicable public health conditions as of the date of the event and which may change at any time as determined by federal, state or local government agencies or instrumentalities, artists or the promoter; such requirements may include, without limitation, changes to capacity, attendance procedures and entry requirements, such as proof of vaccination and/or negative COVID-19 test, and other protective measures such as requiring attendees to wear face coverings.”
