The Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore on Wednesday (12 February) released a circular informing shipping industry on how to prepare DORSCON level Orange: 

DORSCON Orange Precautionary Measures For Shipping Community

On 7 February 2020, the Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) raised its risk assessment from Disease Outbreak Response System Condition (DORSCON) level Yellow to DORSCON Orange. 

At present, there are no restrictions to shipping activities. Ships can continue to berth at terminals to carry out operations. To date, there is no significant disruption in the Port of Singapore due to the 2019-nCoV situation. 

With the heightened posture, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will put in place the additional precautionary measures that MOH has introduced to minimise the risk of further transmission of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in the community. This is on top of the measures that MPA had implemented under Port Marine Circular (PMC) 02 of 2020 dated 1 February 2020 – “Extension of Precautionary Measures to Minimise Risk of Community Spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus in Singapore” and PMC 03 of 2020 dated 1 February 2020 – “Maritime Declaration of Health”.

In line with MOH’s media release dated 7 February 2020 (Annex 1):

1. Additional Precautions for Large-Scale Events. MPA advises the shipping community to cancel or defer non-essential large-scale events. For those who choose to proceed, they should take all necessary precautions to minimise the risk of community transmission. Individuals who are unwell, on Leave of Absence, or have recent travel history to mainland China, should not attend such events.
2. Daily Health Checks. All ship masters and employers should require their crew and employees to conduct regular temperature-taking and check Page 2 of 20 whether they have respiratory symptoms such as cough and runny nose. Temperature should be taken at least twice daily, and anyone with a fever or is unwell should see a doctor immediately.
3. Enhance Business Continuity Capability. All ships and workplaces should step up their business continuity plans, and prepare for widespread community transmission. The business continuity plans can include allowing employees to telecommute or segregation of teams.
4. Role of Individuals in Preventing Transmission. The most effective method to prevent transmission remains through good personal hygiene of regular hand washing with soap and water, and the use of hand sanitisers when soap and water are unavailable. Individuals should avoid touching their face unnecessarily, especially if their hands are not clean.
5. Temperature Screening at Sea Checkpoints for Inbound Travellers. Since 24 January 2020, MPA has implemented temperature screening at all sea checkpoints, including ferry and cruise terminals, PSA terminals and Jurong Port, for inbound travellers. Industry-led Initiatives

Temperature Screening at Cruise and Ferry Terminals. Since 8 February 2020, 2359hrs, cruise and ferry terminal operators have implemented 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. 

Cleaning and Disinfection. Cruise and ferry operators have also stepped up 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 the 2019- nCoV. Further Advice 

MPA advises the shipping community to adhere closely to the following press releases and advisories: 

1. GOV.SG article dated 6 February 2020 on different DORSCON levels (Annex 2)
   
2. MOM general advisory for workplace measures in response to DORSCON Orange situation in Singapore dated 7 February 2020 (Annex 3)
   
3. ICA updates on border control measures in response to the 2019 novel coronavirus (Annex 4) 
4. MPA advisories on 2019 novel coronavirus (nCoV) (Annexes 5, 6 and 7). 

Conclusion 

MPA urges the shipping community to remain vigilant, resolute and stay united in tackling the novel coronavirus (nCoV) situation. Organisations and individuals can play a part in reducing the risk of imported cases and community transmission. Singapore’s port operations continue to forge ahead and we thank partners for the support.

Related: Singapore advises shipping community on Wuhan Coronavirus precautionary measures

Photo credit:  Ehpien on Flickr
Published: 13 February, 2020