By
Rebecca Gibson |
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has reiterated that there should be no general ban on international travel or trade due to the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa.
Citing the recommendations of the third meeting of the Emergency Committee convened by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 22 October, the IMO indicated that all of its member states should continue to handle shipping operations as normal.
“We would recommend to all our member states, as well as the broader maritime community, shipping companies, ship operators and port and terminal operators, that they follow the recommendations of the WHO,” said Andy Winbow, assistant secretary-general and director of the IMO’s Maritime Safety Division. “These state that the movement of ships, including the handling of cargo and goods, to and from the affected areas, should continue as normal, in order to reduce the isolation and economic hardship of the affected countries.”
Meanwhile, the IMO has issued an infographic outlining the key information about Ebola, which can be displayed onboard ships and in ports and terminals. The organisation has also noted that if entry screening measures are implemented in any of its member states, they should ensure that travellers and suspected Ebola cases are managed in compliance with International Health Regulations requirements.
Last week, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) published strong protocols and additional passenger screening guidance to further reduce the risk of Ebola on a cruise ship.
In addition to screening the contact and travel history of each guests before they board a cruise ship, CLIA recommended that operators deny boarding for anyone who has had physical contact with, or helped to care for, a person with Ebola within 21 days before embarkation.
In a statement, CLIA’s president and CEO Christine Duffy, said the association and its member cruise lines are “continually evaluating the situation with Ebola and are in regular contact with public health officials to assess the need to enhance the industry’s protocols.”
Princess Cruises has implemented measures to ensure that any passengers and crew who have visited or travelled through Liberia, Sierra Leone or Guinea within 21 days of a cruise departure date will be screened and denied boarding. The line will also monitor bookings for any guests coming from these countries, while boarding will be denied for any guest who has had physical contact with, or helped care for, a person who has been diagnosed with Ebola, or who is suspected of having the virus, within a minimum of 21 days before embarkation.
While Princess does not currently have ships calling in any countries with Level 3 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travel Health Notices, all embarking guests and visitors must complete a mandatory general health screening questionnaire upon embarkation. If deemed necessary, they will also be asked to submit to further medical screening prior to being allowed to board.
“At Princess Cruises the safety and health of our guests and crew is our top priority,” said the company in a written statement. “We have robust medical protocols that are consistent with public health recommendations. Our medical staff is fully engaged and monitoring the situation.”