Time for my second jab

Later today I will be visiting University Hospital Lewisham for my second Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination. Once I have had that, and a week to ten days has passed, I should be about as well protected from catching the COVID-19 virus as I can be.

I doubt that this will result in any particular change in my daily routine, and I shall still be donning my face mask every time I go out, but at least I will feel a bit safer, and that is what really counts. Sue is due to have her second jab in a couple of weeks, and once she is fully vaccinated, we can look forward to going on a short cruise aboard P&O's MV Britannia.

P&O have introduced a series of protocols that they will be following once cruising resumes in the near future. These include:

• All ships will operate with a reduced number of passengers aboard.
• Proof of vaccination and the dates given will be required to be shown at the terminal prior to boarding.
• Pre-embarkation COVID-19 tests may be required and will be complimentary in the price of the holiday.
• Only those passengers who are going on organised excursions only using vetted operators will be allowed ashore, and the excursion operators will be subject to screening and guidance and temperature checks and/or health screening may be carried out prior to boarding the ship after time on shore.
• All ships will operate under enhanced sanitation measures. Appropriate social distancing will be enforced, alongside the mandatory wearing of face masks in certain areas of the ship. All guests will need to comply with this face mask policy in order to travel.
• The crew will wear face masks whenever they are in contact with passengers and in certain areas of the ship. They will also undergo a strict testing and quarantine regime as well as regular testing during their time on board.
• Passengers may be asked to pre-book a table in any of the the restaurants they wish to use, and all buffets and deck grills will be served by the waiting staff.
• Passengers will only be permitted to dine with other members of their household or travelling group, up to a maximum number allowed by government guidelines at the time of sailing.
• The restaurants and bars are being adapted so that social distancing can be maintained.
• Passengers may be asked to pre-book any entertainment that is taking place in one of the key venues.
• The onboard shops, spa, salon, gym, pools, casinos, and other activities will operate, but will be subject to the latest approved guidance to minimise contact. This will include a reduction in the number of passengers in each area and the maintenance of the highest levels of cleanliness at all times.
• Passengers may be asked to pre-booked appointment slots, and on-board shops may offer a pre-order service for products that can be collected or delivered to individual cabins.
• Certain activities or areas of the ship where social distancing will be difficult, may not be in operation.

All of these protocols have been put in place to reduce any chance of a COVID-19 outbreak occurring onboard during a cruise and are in line with the guidelines laid down by the UK Government and the UK Chamber of Shipping.

I must admit that the list of protocols is quite impressive, and Sue and I found them reassuring. I know that some regular cruisers have complained about them, and some of the protocols do seem to be a bit restrictive and draconian when compared to what we have been used to on previous cruises ... but if they help to keep passengers and crew from catching the virus and allow us to have a much-needed break away from home, they will be worth it.