SPECIAL MARINE NOTIFICATION: CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19)

PURPOSE

Recognizing the evolving situation concerning Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), the Corner Brook Port Corporation (CBPC) is committed to provide information and guidance on protocols to consider in safeguarding the health and safety of those working within the Port of Corner Brook. The information in this notification is based on best practices and on recommendations developed by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and World Health Organization (WHO) to prevent and minimize the spread of the virus and to contribute to the health and safety of those working within the Port of Corner Brook.

BACKGROUND

On January 30, 2020, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization declared the Coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). Accordingly, Transport Canada (TC) Marine Security Operations provided information and guidance to the Canadian marine industry on protocols to consider in safeguarding the health and safety of those working in the marine industry in Canada. This information was based on recommendations developed by the PHAC and WHO.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Common signs of infection with the Coronavirus include fever and respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, kidney failure and even death.

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

While the immediate risk of this new virus to the Port of Corner Brook users and staff is believed to be low, everyone can do their part to help the Port of Corner Brook respond to this emerging public health threat. Personal hygiene measures such as frequent hand washing with soap and water, avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth and avoiding close contact with people who are symptomatic are important preventative measures.

TEMPORARY DIRECTION AND GUIDANCE

In order to contribute to the health and safety of those who work in and support the business of the Port of Corner Brook, and to reduce and/or eliminate the risk of spreading of the Coronavirus within the Port of Corner Brook jurisdiction, the following is implemented on a temporary basis:

FOREIGN FLAGGED VESSELS

1. Foreign flagged ships are to ensure that all required components of the 96-hour and 24-hour Pre-Arrival Inspection Report (PAIR) are completed in accordance with section 221 of the Marine Transportation Security Regulations (MTSR);
2. Vessel Masters with crew members and passengers symptomatic of the Coronavirus are to advise TC Marine Safety and Security following transmission of the 96-hour PAIR;
3. As to vessels with symptomatic crew members or passengers, TC Marine Security Inspectors will advise PHAC officials, who will follow up directly with the vessel;
4. Based on the information provided in No.3 above, PHAC will provide follow-up directions;
5. In the event that PHAC determines that a crew member or passenger on-board a vessel is at risk, TC Marine Safety and Security, in coordination with PHAC, will provide notification to others on a required basis (including, but not limited to, Canadian Coast Guard, Pilotage Authorities, TC Marine Safety, CBPC, CBSA, etc.);
6. Based on the determination in No. 5, should the vessel be granted permission to enter the Port of Corner Brook by the appropriate regulatory authorities, then the CBPC will enact its own emergency response plan and/or applicable protocols in coordination with PHAC and TC.

DOMESTIC VESSELS

1. The above procedures do not apply to Canadian Registered Vessels;
2. Domestic vessels should report passengers and crew who are symptomatic of the Coronavirus to provincial and local health authorities; and
3. If a case of Coronavirus is suspected, Masters of Canadian Vessels are to advise TC and supporting agencies immediately, i.e. Pilots, CBPC, etc., prior to others boarding or coming into contact with passengers from the vessel.

ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Public Health Authorities: contact 811 or 1-888-709-2929 if you develop fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.

Government of Canada Novel Coronavirus information line: 1-833-784-4397

For the latest updates on the Coronavirus Outbreak, please visit the WHO website at the following link: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Additional details on Operational Considerations for Managing COVID-19 cases/outbreak on board ships, is located at the following link: https://www.who.int/publications-detail/operational-considerations-for-managing-covid-19-cases-outbreak-on-board-ships

For the latest updates from the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Guidance for Ship Operators for the Protection of the Health of Seafarers Coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit the ICS website at the following link: https://www.ics-shipping.org/news/press-releases/2020/03/05/international-chamber-of-shipping-(ics)-issues-new-coronavirus-(covid-19)-guidance-for-shipping-industry

For the latest updates and information from the Government of Canada, please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC): https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html

Questions or queries regarding Government of Canada response to COVID-19 should be directed to the Public Health Agency of Canada using the following link: https://health.canada.ca/en/public-health/corporate/contact-us.html

Questions for queries regarding the marine industry should be directed to Transport Canada using the following marinesafety-securitemaritime@tc.gc.ca

For the latest information from the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), please visit the CLIA website at the following link: https://cruising.org/news-and-research/press-room/2020/march/clia-covid-19-toolkit