Updated COVID-19 guidance for shipping

The International Chamber of Shipping updates its health guidance on Coronavirus (COVID-19) to reflect the latest thinking and advice on the virus. The new guidance is a fully updated version of International Chamber of Shipping’s (ICS) “Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Guidance for Ship Operators for the Protection of the Health of Seafarers”, last updated in May. The revised introduction reflects the situation nine months on from the start of the global pandemic and adds two new annexes; one on managing multiple cases of COVID-19 onboard ships and another on PCR testing. According to ICS, the guidance is for use on all types of ship and aims to recognise the unique needs of both cargo and passenger ships. The measures highlighted in the guidance include advice on managing port entry restrictions, shipboard measures to address risks associated with COVID-19, managing cases of COVID-19 on board ship when at sea, assistance for all seafarers to access medical care when in ports, and dealing with other medical issues during COVID-19. More information: Gard