The new coronavirus (COVID-19) has cost the lives of more than 935,000 while confirmed cases exceed 29,500,000. Although coronavirus started in China in early 2020, now it has spread all over the world, with the US accounting for the most deaths. Also, Europe, South America and India top the list with the regions affected significantly.
Skuld Club addresses the risk of tuberculosis, providing information on what the crew can do in case they have been affected.
Amid COVID-19 outbreak, Chamber of Shipping in Canada issued a circular informing shipowers and operators about the pre-arrival reporting at BC ports.
Following the pandemic situation, Maritime NZ updated its COVID-19 guidance for the maritime industry, port supply chain and transport operators.
While life onboard with its harsh workload and isolation had already an adverse effect on crews’ mental health, the COVID-19 pandemic with its travel restrictions and limited mobility brought an even bigger anxiety to seafarers, who referred to their vessels as ‘floating prisons’.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the crew change issue that has brought, the International maritime charity, Sailors’ Society noted that coronavirus marks the worst crisis seafarers have faced in its 200-year history.
Seafarer UK’s Chief Executive Officer, Catherine Spencer, notes the pandemic has negatively impacted seafarers’ mental health and wellbeing. Although there are helpful resources to support them, many appear to be trying hard to overcome what is being described as a ‘crew change crisis. Hence, Seafarers UK has released additional £2 million from reserves to support seafarers in need and their families.
Amid a growing interest in infectious viruses in light of the coronavirus pandemic, the world shed a special focus on this year’s World Mosquito Day. Celebrated every year on 20 August, this Day aims to raise awareness about the causes of malaria and how it can be prevented, as well as fundraising for research into the cure of malaria.
Amid the coronavirus outbreak situation, on 15th August Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore reported that 15 Filipino crewmembers were found COVID-19 positive.
