Shipping must be prepared for wider spread of virus

UNFORTUNATELY, everybody in Singapore is now all too aware of the novel coronavirus that originated in Wuhan, China. The situation has moved on since the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) issued an advisory stating that on Jan 29 there was a confirmed case of a crew member with coronavirus infection, who was working onboard a ship in Singapore waters.

In the past fortnight, the international shipping has been gearing up to cope with the implications of the disease for an industry that is uniquely affected by the spread of such contagious diseases and the measures that need to be put in place to combat them.

Locally, the MPA has urged the shipping community to take precautionary measures, as well as to remain vigilant and adopt good hygiene practices at all times. Ship crew who feel unwell, experience respiratory symptoms (eg cough, shortness of breath) or feel feverish, should inform the master of the ship immediately. The master should then contact their ship's agent and make the necessary arrangements to seek medical attention.