ICS issues Corona Virus guidance to shipowners
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is advising its membership to “take steps that limit the spread of the novel Corona Virus (2019-nCov)”.
The global shipping body representing 80 per cent of the world’s merchant fleet said the instructions reflect advice given by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which stated that if certain measures are taken, there should be no “unnecessary restrictions of international traffic”, meaning ports and global shipping can continue to operate.
Guy Platten, the Secretary General of ICS, said: “The shipping industry will always prioritise the health of our crew and members of the public above all else. We have recommended that all our members across the world follow the WHO measures. As an industry, we fully understand the importance of playing our role in halting the spread of viruses.”
He added that by implementing the measures in their entirety, the ICS was avoiding the needless closure of any port. He said: “Shipping can continue to be the conduit for 90 per cent of world trade, ensuring the steady supply of medicine, food and fuel for consumers worldwide. We are thankful that the WHO has avoided a knee jerk reaction, which would do nobody any favours.”
The key points highlighted in the advice are as follows:
- Exit screening at ports in the affected areas to detect symptomatic travellers and prevent the exportation of the disease. This includes checking for signs and symptoms and keeping confirmed cases under isolation and treatment.
- Implementing health information campaigns to raise awareness on how to receive assistance if someone is showing symptoms.
- Collaborating with public health authorities for case management on board ships, should a traveller with symptoms be detected.
The ICS said in a statement that it takes its responsibilities on safeguarding public health “extremely seriously”. It has shared WHO guidelines to its members on how best reduce the possibility of the spread of 2019-nCov.
It urges all members to fully adopt the guidelines and added: “Should the WHO recommendations change with the closure of specific ports for medical reasons, we would recommend that the port in question and shipowners follow this advice. ICS will continue to keep a close watch on the situation and will notify its members of developments.”
For more information visit www.ics-shipping.org
3rd February 2020
