The Maritime Port Authority of Singapore announced the extension of precautionary measures for all ships calling the port of Singapore, including border restrictions, precautionary testing of asymptomatic travellers at ferry terminals, as well as advice for the shipping community.
Concerning MPA’s measures:
Border Restrictions
- Crew/passengers onboard all arriving vessels that have called at ports in mainland China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Republic of Korea, and Spain in the last 14 days shall remain onboard the vessels.
- Crew/passengers with recent travel history to mainland China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Republic of Korea, and Spain in the last 14 days onboard all arriving vessels shall remain onboard during the vessels’ stay in port.
With immediate effect, Singapore will cease port calls for all cruise vessels.
Precautionary testing for symptomatic travellers at regional ferry terminals
From March 4, 2020, all travellers entering Singapore and exhibiting fever (i.e. temperature above 37.5 degree Celsius) and/or other symptoms of respiratory illness may be required to undergo a COVID-19 swab test at the regional ferry terminals, regardless of travel history. With immediate effect, all such travellers may be issued a 14-Stay Home Notice or returned to their point of origin.
Advice for shipping community
MPA advises the shipping community to closely follow the health advisory in ANNEX E. The National Environment Agency’s (NEA) Port Health requires the following vessels to submit the Maritime Declaration of Health Form (refer to Port Marine Circular 10 of 2020):
- All arriving vessels with crew/passengers with recent travel history to mainland China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Republic of Korea, and Spain in the past 14 days; or
- All arriving vessels that have called at ports in mainland China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Republic of Korea, and Spain in the past 14 days.
In addition, all crew members are advised to have their temperature taken twice daily, and follow guidelines on how to isolate unwell crew and passengers.
Ship owners, managers, operators, agents and masters of Singapore registered vessels should monitor the health of their crew closely. Masters of such vessels are required to report to their company, MPA and destination port authorities, if their crew are unwell, experience respiratory symptoms (e.g. cough, runny nose, shortness of breath) or feel feverish.
They should also make the necessary arrangements to seek medical attention. Refer to the health advisory in ANNEX G.
Overall, to closely monitor the situation, MPA Singapore has placed temperature Screening at Ferry Terminals.
Since 08 February 2020 ferry terminal operators have implemented centralised outbound temperature screening for departing passengers. This is an additional precautionary measure by the terminal operators to ensure the health and safety of all passengers and crew.
Also, they conduct cleaning and disinfection operations on board the ferries, especially in common or public areas to help prevent the widespread transmission of COVID-19.
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