Curfew in Sierra Leone 19- 21 September 2014 as part of a Ebola control exercise
Skuld has published an Advisory to its members regarding port closuresand other national measures in Sierra Leone due to Ebola virus.
Skuld has been advised that the Government of Sierra Leone is planning to undertake a nation-wide curfew from 19 September to 21 September 2014 as part of a Ebola control exercise.
During this period the nation’s ports will also be closed as everyone will be obliged to stay at home. The military will assist to enforce this curfew.
As members will appreciate this is likely to significantly impact on any vessel that has already come alongside in Sierra Leone, and will also have a back log effect on vessels waiting to come in. During this period it may be that no port services will be available at all and vessels should prepare for such a 72 hour cessation of all services and facilities.
Other National Measures – China and Bangladesh
Skuld has been advised that following the outbreak of Ebola in West Africa, the P.R. China CIQauthorities have been on a higher level of alert for potential health issues with vessels arriving intheir ports.
That means vessels coming from an infected country will have to undergo quarantineinspection and CIQ may impose restrictions or demand preventive measures to be implemented on board.
Checks will include crew health records and an up to date statement as to the presenthealth of the crew, as well as any health issues experienced by any crew member during thevoyage.
A questionnaire will have to be completed and CIQ Officers may undertake temperaturechecks on crew members. Additional sanitary inspections may be undertaken, and CIQ Officersmay wish to see that common areas on board are properly disinfected and cleaned.
Possiblefurther requirements could be imposed, although this may depend on local views, which mayrelate to the disposal of waste and sludge from the vessel while in port.
Bangladesh
In response to the outbreak in West Africa, the authorities in Chittagong have formed a medical response team to deal with any situation should a vessel come to the country with a suspected disease carrier on board.
Furthermore, more in depth arrival health and quarantine inspections and information demands are likely to be encountered for any vessel that comes from a country experiencing an outbreak.
A failure to comply will mean a refusal to permit the entry of the vessel in to the port.
Source: The Skuld P&I Club
