IMO issues coronavirus advice

The virus, which causes respiratory problems, originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan and has now spread to 25 other countries infecting 17,300 people and claiming 362 lives.

IMO circular letters No. 4203 and 4204 detail advice for the industry, reminding seafarers and member states of the World Health Organisation’s basic principles to reduce the risk of transmission. These comprise avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections; frequent handwashing; avoiding unprotected contact with animals and reminding those with symptoms to practise good cough etiquette.

WHO does not recommend any specific measures for travellers but urges those who develop symptoms to seek medical attention and share their travel history with healthcare providers. Travellers who have had contact with confirmed cases should be placed under medical observation and high-risk contacts should avoid travel for the incubation period of 14 days.

WHO currently advises that measures to limit the risk of the virus spreading should be implemented but without unnecessary restrictions on international traffic. It reminds travellers that local authorities might impose their own restrictions and all personnel should therefore keep up to date with local health advice before and during travel.

The IMO’s advice comes at a time when the Cruise Line International Association has suspended crew movements from mainland China and will deny boarding to any individual, whether guest or crew, who has travelled from or through mainland China within the previous 14 days.