Maritime New Zealand issued an update concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination updates, the importance of PPE and fines concerning breach over the right use of PPE and ongoing COVID-19 protocols for affected ships.
PPE
Accordingly, rules regarding PPE use, social distancing, hygiene and testing are there for a reason – to protect the country from the spread of COVID 19. They urge seafarers to complete a form in case they suspect a PPE breach.
Maritime NZ highlights that
We need your help to encourage continued compliance and get the message out to the workers in the sector who need to take the appropriate precautions.
It is added that although not every incident reported will constitute a breach, however serious breaches will be followed up. Customs NZ is the designated border order enforcement agency. Maritime NZ and WorkSafe have the powers under HSWA (the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015), to ensure risks are being appropriately managed, which may include COVID-19 related risks.
To remind, the IMO has circulated World Health Organization (WHO) guidance concerning the safe and effective us of personal protective equipment (PPE), to support decisions on use of PPE to minimize the risks of COVID-19 infection for seafarers, marine personnel, fishing vessel personnel, passengers and others on board ships.
Vaccination
Concerning vaccination, the Ministry of Health is developing the order of the rollout as the vaccines become available. Vaccine distribution is being finalized however health workers, essential workers and border staff are recognised as being among the earliest groups that will be vaccinated.
The Authority stresses that while the vaccination will protect people from the effects of the virus, it is too early to confirm whether or not a vaccinated person could still be a carrier and transmit the virus to others. This means that other measures such as testing, PPE use, social distancing and hygiene practices will still need to be maintained after the vaccine has been administered.
COVID-19 reminder
Maritime NZ reminds that
Ships where the people on board are required to be in isolation or quarantine under a COVID-19 order are referred to as ‘affected ships’. Anyone connecting with these vessels must follow the PPE, testing, hygiene and distancing guidelines in place.
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