Strict measures at ports amid Coronavirus outbreak
While there has been no confirmed cases in the country so far, port health professionals have been screening all international travellers and enhanced surveillance of all travellers from Asia, particularly China
TRANSNET National Ports Authority (TNPA) has implemented strict measures at all ports to safeguard the country against exposure to the Novel Coronavirus.
While there has been no confirmed cases in the country so far, port health professionals have been screening all international travellers and enhanced surveillance of all travellers from Asia, particularly China.
‘During the warning period, all South African citizens are to refrain from consuming foods or liquids on board vessels from high risk areas. Gifts involving foods should not be accepted,’ said acting Chief Harbour Master Captain, Sabelo Mdlalose.
‘If a vessel reports incidents of infection on board, port health must be notified immediately.
‘The vessel may dock, but no persons will be permitted to go on board until port health officers have cleared the vessel. Should there be a TNPA pilot on board, he should report to the TNPA clinic immediately,’ Mdlalose said.
TNPA pilots have also been instructed to use appropriate medical masks and gloves if a vessel arrives from an affected area.
China has confirmed more than 17 000 cases of the Coronavirus, with other cases confirmed in Thailand, Japan, the Republic of Korea and most recently, the Philippines.
The majority of cases have been linked to seafood, poultry and the live wildlife market in Wuhan City. China suggested that the Novel Coronavirus has a possible animal origin.
Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.
In severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome and kidney failure.
‘All crew transfers from affected areas will be carefully screened and no crew will be allowed to disembark from a vessel without obtaining port health clearance.
‘Yacht crews arriving from affected areas must also report to SAPS and port health. The skipper is to be informed to remain isolated on board until cleared.
‘If possible, contaminated vessels should be allocated to an isolated berth away from other vessels,’ Mdlalose said.
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