Philippines has suspended crew change for vessels coming from 20 countries until 15 January 2021 in bid to stop the new strain of Covid-19 from entering the country, reports Seatrade Maritime News.
Ban on crew changes
Foreign seafarers coming from the below listed countries, or who have been to the same within 14 days immediately preceding arrival in the Philippines, are temporarily restricted from entering the country until 15th of January 2021.
The Philippines Port Authority (PPA) said the ban of crew change from vessels coming from these countries was part of the “country’s bid to prevent the entry of the new COVID-19 strain through the country’s ports.”
In fact, the 21 listed countries are: Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and the US.
Safety new to contain new strain
“The changes are being imposed by the country as a safety net to contain the possible entry of the new strain of the SARS-CoV-2 variant in the country through crew change. The temporary ban on the conduct of crew change activities in the country involving seafarers coming from the countries listed will be until 15 January 2021 but subject to change depending on the policies adopted and directed by the Office of the President,” PPA noted.
Overall, following the crew change crisis, the Ministry of Health of Singapore recently announced that by January 3rd all long-term pass holders and short-term visitors with recent travel history to South Africa within the last 14 days will not be allowed entry into Singapore, or transit through Singapore.
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Source: Seatrade Maritime News
