News: Europe COVID-19 cases continue to rise

In its media briefing on 13 March, the WHO states that Europe has now become the epicenter of the pandemic.

In its media briefing on 13 March, the WHO states that Europe has now become the epicenter of the pandemic, with more reported cases and deaths than the rest of the world combined, apart from China. It further states, that more cases are now being reported every day than were reported in China at the height of its epidemic.

With over 153,600 confirmed cases in 146 countries asper the latest COVID-19 situation dashboard, WHO has issued clear advice for governments, businesses and individuals:

1. Prepare and be ready
2. Detect, protect and treat
3. Reduce transmission
4. Innovate and learn

More information on the press release can be found here.

The situation is evolving everyday. The latest WHO situation report confirms that cases have been reported from nine new countries, seven of which are in the African region. With more and more countries imposing restrictions many states are recommending businesses to encourage staff to work from home. We recommend the members to test their business continuity plans to ensure adequate ship-shore interface and support, safe operations, crew changes and crew welfare.

The latest update on travel restrictions imposed on passengers by various countries is available on the IATA website.

The USCG has issued an update to the earlier Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) 02-20 and a new MSIB 06-20 on reporting requirements which are available for download on the right.

The Maritime Industry Australia Ltd. (MIAL) has updated its dedicated page on COVID-19. The latest advisory announced by the Australian Prime Minister confirms enhanced measures applying to people entering Australia.

We have been advised that on March 13 the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine took decision to close the state border of Ukraine for foreign citizens. This came into force on March 16, 2020 at 00:01 and continues for two weeks with an option of prolongation. Air connection to Ukraine will be closed from 17th of March. Cargo customs stations, including ones located in Ukrainian ports, will operate in the usual manner albeit with limited access. The port clearance control will require all seafarers to undergo an obligatory medical examination. Crewmembers will not be allowed any shore leave and it is recommended to not plan any crew change in Ukraine until March 30, 2020.

The Singapore MPA has issued a new Port Marine Circular (PMC) extending the precautionary measures to minimise the risk of community spread of the COVID-19. The details of MPA’s extension (PMC 11) of precautionary measures and the revised Maritime Declaration of Health (PMC 10, which supersedes PMC 08 of 2020 dated 4 March 2020) are attached on the right. The Ministry of Health (MOH) has also issued a additional precautionary measures which are available here.

A summary of control measures imposed by the Singapore government:

Travel History in Countries/Regions	For Singapore Residents and Long-Term Pass Holders	For Short-Term Visitors	For Work Pass Holders (including dependents)
Hubei province (China)	14-day quarantine	Not allowed entry or transit	Required to obtain the Ministry of Manpower’s approval before entering or returning to Singapore. This is regardless of the nationality of the work pass holder. The entry approval requirement applies to both existing work pass holders and in-principle approval holders.
Mainland China (except Hubei province), France, Germany, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, and Spain	14-day SHN	Not allowed entry or transit
[New] ASEAN countries (except for land and sea crossings from Malaysia) *w.e.f 16 March ‘20, 2359 hrs	14-day SHN	14-day SHN with health declaration Short-term visitors who are ASEAN nationals will also be required to submit requisite health information for approval before travelling
[New] Japan, Switzerland, and United Kingdom *W.e.f 16 March ‘20, 2359 hrs	14-day SHN