Since 24 January 2020, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has applied temperature screening at all sea checkpoints, including ferry and cruise terminals, PSA terminals and Jurong Port, for inbound travellers. Now, MPA announced that it increased precautionary measures in order to minimize the coronavirus spread.
MPA Singapore has also established health advisories at the sea checkpoints to inform travellers and ship crew on the precautionary measures to take when travelling, as well as to remain vigilant and adopt good hygiene practices.
According to Singapore Ministry of Health, the MPA will extend the precautionary measures to include the following:
- All arriving vessels with crew/passengers with recent travel history to mainland China within the last 14 days;
- All arriving vessels that have called at ports in China in the past 14 days;
- All arriving vessels with crew/passengers with recent travel history to Daegu city or Cheongdo county of Republic of Korea within the last 14 days. This will take effect from 26 February 2020, 2359h.
Ships can continue to berth at terminals to carry out operations.
The National Environment Agency’s (NEA) Port Health also requires the following vessels to submit the Maritime Declaration of Health Form:
- All arriving vessels that have called at ports in China in the past 14 days;
- All arriving vessels with crew/passengers who have travelled to mainland China in the past 14 days;
- All arriving passenger ships (with the exception of ferries operated by MPA-licensed regional ferry service operators);
- All arriving vessels with crew/passengers who have travelled to Daegu city or Cheongdo county of Republic of Korea within the last 14 days.
MPA also urges all crew members on board to have their temperature taken twice a day. There are also guidelines on how to isolate unwell crew and passengers.
Advice for Singapore-registered ships
Ship owners, managers, operators, agents and masters of Singapore-registered vessels should monitor the health of their crew closely. Masters of such vessels must report to their company, MPA and destination port authorities, if their crew feel unwell, experience respiratory symptoms or feel feverish. They should also make the necessary arrangements to seek medical attention.
Industry-led initiatives
Since 08 February 2020, cruise and ferry terminal operators have applied 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.
In addition, cruise and ferry operators have also increased their cleaning and disinfection regime on board the cruise ships and ferries, especially in common or public areas to help prevent the widespread transmission of COVID-19.
Finally, PSA and Jurong Port are also taking precautionary measures for employees returning to Singapore. Some of these measures include allowing eligible staff to telecommute and providing frontline staff with paid Leave of Absence where they are unable to work remotely.
