Due to the spread of Covid-19, disruption is being reported in Chinese ports, because of shortage in available labour. As Standard Club informs, the extension of the lunar new year holiday is a significant factor but in some cases workers are absenting from work.
Specifically, ports in the Asia-Pacific region and elsewhere are currently using screening and quarantine measures to manage the infection risk, but remain open. At minimum, most ports will require ships to provide:
- Declaration of health;
- Information on crew and passenger health and travel history.
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Borders also remain open at present although in some cases, like Hong Kong, the number of active crossing points are reduced.
We recommend that members should also get the latest information from their local agents to avoid or minimise delays. Where ships are unavoidably delayed, members who purchase the club’s Strike and Delay insurance are protected against up to 29 different perils
Standard Club states.
The new coronavirus has cost the lives of 1,775 people, while confirmed cases exceed 71,000.
How the virus spreads
This virus probably originally emerged from an animal source but now seems to be spreading from person-to-person. It’s important to note that person-to-person spread can happen on a continuum. Some viruses are highly contagious (like measles), while other viruses are less so. At this time, it’s unclear how easily or sustainably this virus is spreading between people.
Coronavirus symptoms
For confirmed 2019-nCoV infections, reported illnesses have ranged from people being mildly sick to people being severely ill and dying. Symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
CDC believes at this time that symptoms of 2019-nCoV may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 after exposure.
Prevention
There is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
