The Philippines’ Department of Health has issued a new circular giving guidelines at all seaports to prevent the spread of Novel Coronavirus Acute Respiratory Disease (2019-nCoV ARD).
The Bureau of Quarantine is implementing the following measures for all maritime vessels at all Philippine seaports:
CRUISE VESSELS
- Cruise ships with passengers, regardless of nationality, from China, Macau and Hong Kong SAR or that have passed through in the past 14 days may not dock at any Philippine port.
- Cruise ships that have not called at or passed through ports in China, Macau and Hong Kong SAR within the past 14 days are allowed to dock in Philippine ports. However, they must undergo complete screening measures, submission of duly-accomplished Maritime Declaration of Health, and other pertinent documents related to 2019-nCoV ARD.
- Cruise ships allowed to dock must declare all travel itineraries/excursions in the Philippines.
- The master of the vessel must report immediately any occurrence of flu-like symptoms. If there are any cases of individuals on board suffering from flu-like symptoms, the master must report it immediately to the Quarantine Medical Officer (QMO) for guidance on implementing infection prevention and control protocols to minimise the spread of infection on board.
- The QMO will conduct triaging of cases.
- No Filipinos are allowed to embark any cruise ships going to China.
CARGO VESSELS
- All vessels calling from China, including Hong Kong and Macau SAR, in the past 14 days must be boarded at the quarantine anchorage.
- Upon arrival at the quarantine anchorage, the mast of the vessel must hoist at its foremast the yellow flag and immediately inform the Quarantine station at the assigned port through ship agents. Strictly no embarkation/disembarkation.
- Quarantine Boarding formalities shall ensue – the mater shall submit a duly accomplished Maritime Declaration of Health and the BOQ shall issue free pratique. Other boarding formalities shall commence.
- Vessels cleared at the first port of entry and calling at another local port, which within the past 14 days has travelled from China, Hong Kong and Macau SAR, must be boarded at the designated Quarantine anchorage area by the QMO, submit daily accomplished Maritime Declaration of Health and other pertinent documents.
- The master of the vessel must report immediately any occurrence of flu-like symptoms. If there are any cases of individuals on board suffering from flu-like symptoms, the master must report it immediately to the Quarantine Medical Officer (QMO) for guidance on implementing infection prevention and control protocols to minimise the spread of infection on board.
- The QMO will conduct triaging of cases.
- Ship agent of vessel with PUI situated in a non-competent port will arrange the immediate diversion of the vessel to the nearest competent port (Manila and Cebu) in the Philippines territory.
- PUI in a competent port will be conducted to a dedicated hospital and the vessel will be declared as affected vessel. A confirmed laboratory result of case will commence a 14-day quarantine at the anchorage and the hoisting of the Lima flag. Day zero starts at the conduction of the PUI.
- On the 14th day, the QMO will board the vessel, examine the documents, muster the crew and issue a free pratique. The master of the vessel may then lower the yellow flag and other formalities will commence.
GENERAL PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
- Continue hygienic practices and sanitary measures at all times.
- Waste disposal from vessels coming in from China, including Hong Kong and Macau SAR, in the past 14 days, are not allowed in Philippine ports.
For information about operations in the Philippines contact GAC Philippines at [email protected]
