Web Alert: South Korea takes preventive measures against Zika virus

The club has been advised by the local correspondents in South Korea (Hyopsung) that the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare has strengthened countermeasures against the possible outbreak of Zika virus in the country.

South Korea's health authorities have released a set of measures to prevent its influx and transmission; which includes strengthening of quarantine inspections at Korean ports as follows:

 Identification of the affected regions as below (may be updated)

• 23 Countries and territories infected by Zika virus: Cabo Verde, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Martinique, Mexico, Barbados, Venezuela, Brazil, Haiti, Ecuador, El Salvador, Colombia, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto to Rico, French Guiana, Guadeloupe Island, (the Republic of) Nicaragua, (the Republic of) Honduras, (the Kingdom of) Tonga, American Samoa, Samoa, and Republic of Suriname.
• 2 Countries where an outbreak has occurred: Thailand and Philippines

 Measures to be implemented

• Vessels that have called at any of the affected countries (including transit) within the previous 14 days are required to submit the Self-Disinfection Certificate & Health Questionnaire prior to arrival at a Korean port. Quarantine inspection will be carried out onboard including temperature check for all crew/passengers.
• Vessels that have called at any of the affected country (including transit) within the previous 15-30 days are required to submit the Self-Disinfection Certificate prior to arrival at a Korean port. Quarantine officers may require Ship Sanitation Control Inspection afterwards.
• Vessels that have called at either Thailand or Philippines (including transit) within the previous 30 days are required to submit the Self-Disinfection Certificate prior to arrival at a Korean port. Quarantine officers may not inspect onboard.

 Other highlighted points

• If a Self Disinfection Certificate is not submitted prior to arrival, the vessel will be required to carry out disinfection by a local fumigation company and the ship’s movement may be restricted by order.
• Cargo operations can be commenced after completion of the disinfection.
• If there are any mosquitoes, larvae or mosquito eggs found during the on board quarantine inspection, the vessel will be required to carry out disinfection by a local fumigation company.

Members are advised to check with local agents for updated information prior to arriving in Korea; and ensure due compliance with the requirements in order to avoid any issues or delay.