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The outbreak of coronavirus has been at the center of discussions as it has already led to a number of fatalities. Now, the virus is disrupting the major economies in the world.
jamaran: The outbreak of coronavirus has been at the center of discussions as it has already led to a number of fatalities. Now, the virus is disrupting the major economies in the world. In this regard, the shipping industry and stakeholders have issued advises and steps to be taken so that seafarers are protected.
Main oil and commodity exporters in the Middle East are now dealing with high numbers of confirmed coronavirus infection cases. The region is home to 5 of the world's busiest container ports, including Jebel Ali, Khor Fakkan, Hamad, Dammam, and Bandar Abbas. Iran with at least 95 cases of coronavirus, Bahrain with 23, U.I.A with 13, Kuwait with 9, and Iraq with 5 cases of coronavirus are now hot zones of fighting with high risks of the virus’s transmission.
The International Transport of Workers' Federation issued advice on the virus, which originated from China in late 2019, causes pneumonia and can be life-threatening.
How to Protect Ports and Ships from Coronavirus?
International Maritime Health Association announced a number of tips for people working in the ports and ships, as follow:
• frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water;
• When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw tissue away immediately and wash hands;
• Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough;
• If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early and share previous travel history with your health care provider;
• When visiting live markets in areas currently experiencing cases of novel coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals;
• The consumption of raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.
The longer the health crisis lasts, the harder it will be to move goods around the world. The coronavirus outbreak has killed more than 560 people and infected at least 28,000 — mainly in China, where close to 60 million people are living in cities on lockdown.
Coronavirus Prevention Measures for the Shipping Industry and Trading Companies
