COVID-19: shipping and sea ports guidance

Source: UK Government

Originally published on: 16/03/2020

This information will assist ships (including cargo vessels, ferries and cruise ships) and sea ports in providing advice to staff on addressing coronavirus (COVID-19), on ships and in sea ports. Ships and sea ports will collectively be referred to as a ‘marine setting’ in this guidance. This guidance may be updated in line with the changing situation. Main messages are:

• before boarding the ship, crew and passengers should be asked if they have a new, continuous cough or a high temperature

• if someone becomes unwell with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature, they should be sent home or to their cabin

• everyone should be reminded to wash their hands for 20 seconds more frequently than normal

• crew and passengers should be given clear instructions on what to do if they develop symptoms and how and to whom they should report this

• the Master of the Ship should notify the Port Health Authority about any suspected cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) as soon as possible, who will then inform the local Health Protection Team

• appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning of surfaces that a person with symptoms has come into contact with are key measures to stop the spread of the virus

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