Bulletin #4
January 30, 2020
TRANSPORT CANADA SPECIAL
MARINE SECURITY NOTIFICATION
RE: CORONAVIRUS
The following bulletin is issued by Transport Canada and edited for our use as a domestic operation:
Purpose
Recognizing the evolving situation concerning the current outbreak of the Novel Corona virus, this Marine Security Notification provides information and guidance to the Canadian marine industry on protocols to consider to safeguard the health and safety of those working in the marine industry in Canada. It is based on recommendations developed by the Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) to minimize the spread of the virus and to contribute to the health and safety of those working in the marine industry in Canada.
Background
Coronaviruses (Co V) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.
Common signs of infection with a coronavirus include fever and respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, kidney failure and even death. Current estimates of the incubation period of the virus range from 2-10 days, and these estimates will be refined as more data become available (WHO – January 27, 2020).
To date there has been limited human to human transmission of this novel coronavirus. As with other infectious diseases, personal hygiene measures such as frequent hand washing with soap and water, avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth and avoiding close contact with people who are symptomatic are important preventative measures.
Given the evolving status of this disease outbreak, please refer to the following link for up-to date information:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
Temporary Direction and Guidance
In order to contribute to the health and safety of those who work in and support the Canadian marine industry, and to reduce and/or eliminate the risk of spreading of the Coronavirus in Canada, the following is implemented on a temporary basis:
Domestic Vessels
- Domestic ships should report passengers and crew who are symptomatic of the Coronavirus to provincial and local health authorities; and
- If a case of Coronavirus is suspected, Masters of Canadian vessels are to advise Transport Canada and supporting agencies (Pilots, Ports etc.) prior to others boarding or coming into contact with passengers from the vessel.
Additional Sources of Information
For the latest updates on Coronavirus Outbreak, please visit the WHO website at the following link:
https://www.who.int/csr/don/21-january-2020-novel-coronavirus-republic-of-korea-ex-china/en/
Questions or queries should be directed to the Public Health Agency of Canada using the following link:
https://health.canada.ca/en/public-health/corporate/contact-us.html
Any comments, suggestions or concerns can be addressed to the Director, Marine Security Operations by e-mail at: dirops.marsec-sumar@tc.gc.ca
View as a pdf: Bulletin #4 Special Marine Security Notification – Re – Coronavirus