The COVID crisis has led RCG-Royal Caribbean Group to file a new trademark for a contact tracing bracelet concept. The company has filed a trademark application with the US Patent and Trademark Office for "Tracelet".
The new trademark lists the description of the trademark as made of rubber or silicone, exactly the same material as Royal Caribbean's WOWBands, which debuted in 2014 as RFID wristbands.
The purpose of the tracelet was not explained, and it is not clear if it will be used for contact tracing.
However, Royal Caribbean's new rules indicate that a wearable device will be provided to all passengers.
"Contact tracing is an important part of our enhanced protocols to keep all our guests and crew safe. Each guest will be provided with a wearable device that allows rapid tracing in the event it is necessary."
The device may work with the line's TraceTogether app.
"The TraceTogether App installed on their smartphones or keep their TraceTogether token with them for the duration of their sailing."
Contact tracing is an important component of the industry's plan to restart cruising, as outlined in the 74 recommendations of Healthy Sail Panel. The blue-ribbon panel of health experts recommends Royal Caribbean "identify all potential cases on board using robust contact tracing".