Singapore Releases Additional Measures Against Imported COVID-19 Risks

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  • Singapore announces additional measures against COVID-19.
  • All short-term visitors, from anywhere in the world, will not be allowed to enter or transit through Singapore. 
  • Port of Singapore remains open for cargo operations and marine services, including shipyard repairs.
  • Singapore has ceased port calls for all cruise vessels since 13 March 2020.
  • The NEA Port Health requires all vessels arriving at Singapore to submit the Maritime Declaration of Health Form.
  • PSA and Jurong Port are also taking precautionary measures for employees returning to Singapore. 

According to a circular published in the MPA website, Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) announced additional precautionary measures, to handle heightened risk of imported COVID-19 cases.

Additional precautionary measures 

In view of the heightened risk of imported COVID-19 cases, Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) has announced additional precautionary measures.

From 23 March 2020, all short-term visitors, from anywhere in the world, will not be allowed to enter or transit through Singapore. 

MPA will apply these additional precautionary measures to all vessels calling at the Port of Singapore.

Port open for cargo operations

The Port of Singapore remains open for cargo operations and marine services, including shipyard repairs.

Crew and passengers on short-term visits 

With the additional precautionary measures-

  • Crew and passengers on short-term visits will not be allowed to disembark in Singapore for the time being.
  • Crew change in Singapore is also disallowed for the time being.

Port calls ceased 

Singapore has ceased port calls for all cruise vessels since 13 March 2020.

Precautionary testing 

Precautionary testing for symptomatic Singapore Residents and Long Term Pass Holders at regional ferry terminals – 

  • who have fever and/or other symptoms of respiratory illness have to undergo a COVID-19 swab test, regardless of travel history. 
  • They will be issued a 14-day Stay Home Notice upon arrival.

Maritime Declaration of Health Form

The National Environment Agency’s (NEA) Port Health requires all vessels arriving at Singapore to submit the Maritime Declaration of Health Form.

Crew members health

  • MPA also urges all crew members onboard to have their temperature taken twice daily. 
  • There are also guidelines on how to isolate unwell crew and passengers. 
  • If any of their crew or passengers are unwell, they should report the incident to the Marine Safety Control Centre.

MPA has also issued health advisories for

  • operators,
  • owners,
  • masters and persons in-charge,
  • crew of harbor and pleasure craft, and
  • for managers/supervisors of terminal operators, agents, contractors and service providers.

MPA reminds these persons to take note of the health advisories and bring them to the attention of staff who work on board ships.

For more information read our article MPA Singapore Issues Advisory on COVID-19 Safety Measures : http://mfame.guru/mpa-singapore-issues-advisory-on-covid-19-safety-measures/

Advice for Singapore-Registered Vessels

  • Ship owners, managers, operators, agents and masters of Singapore-registered ships should monitor the health of their crew closely. 
  • Masters of Singapore-registered vessels are required to report to their company, MPA and destination port authorities, if their crew are unwell with COVID-19 symptoms. 
  • They should also make the necessary arrangements to seek medical attention.

For more information read our article http://mfame.guru/mpa-issues-coronavirus-circular-for-singapore-registered-ships/

Advice for vessels at ferry terminals

Temperature Screening 

  • Since 08 February 2020, 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

Ferry operators have stepped up their cleaning and disinfection regime on board the ferries. They focus on common or public areas, to help prevent the widespread transmission of COVID-19.

Measures by Port Terminal Operators for employees

PSA and Jurong Port are also taking precautionary measures for employees returning to Singapore. 

Some of these measures include allowing eligible staff to telecommute and providing frontline staff with paid Leave of Absence where they are unable to work remotely.

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Source: MPA