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News 05 Mar, 2020

ICS Publish Coronavirus Guidelines

In response to the global coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has produced a set of guidelines to help shipping companies comply with the advice previously issued by a number of Inter-Governmental Organisations (IGOs).

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IGOs such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and The International Maritime Health Association (IMHA) contributed to the guidelines, although ship owners/ship managers and a ship service company have also played a significant role in its development.

On 30th January the WHO Emergency Committee convened by the Director-General under the International Health Regulations (IHR), declared that the COVID-19 outbreak met all the necessary criteria to be classified as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

The ICS stated: “This severe public health challenge requires close co-operation between governments and shipping companies engaged in maritime trade, in order to protect the health of seafarers (and passengers) as well as the general public”.

Members are advised that information on the coronavirus outbreak can be found on the World Health Organisation (WHO) Coronavirus webpage, including the latest situation reports.

Members requiring further guidance or assistance should contact the Loss Prevention department.