Circular n° 4204

Introduction

1 The purpose of this circular is to provide information and guidance, based on the recommendations developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) on the precautions to be taken to minimize the risks of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) to seafarers, passengers and others on board ships. ¹

Background

2 On 31 December 2019, WHO was alerted to several cases of pneumonia in Wuhan City (Hubei Province, China). Subsequently, on 7 January 2020, the Chinese authorities confirmed that they had identified a new virus from the coronavirus family, which includes the common cold and diseases such as SARS and MERS. This new virus has been provisionally named “2019-nCoV”.

3 WHO has been working with Chinese authorities, governments and experts from around the world to rapidly disseminate scientific knowledge about the new virus, monitor its spread and virulence, and provide advice on measures that can be taken to protect public health and prevent the spread of this outbreak.

4 As of 29 January 2020, 130 tests had been carried out in the United Kingdom and all had returned a negative result. The latest information on the situation in the United Kingdom can be obtained at the following e-mail address (in English only): https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public.

5 On 30 January 2020, WHO declared that the outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) constituted a public health emergency of international concern.

Symptoms

6 Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, dyspnea and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. Human-to-human infection can occur during the incubation period (before people show signs of the illness). Coronaviruses can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people and those with long-term conditions such as diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.

Risks

7 The current outbreak originated in Wuhan, which is a major domestic and international transport hub. Given the extensive population movements and the observed human-to-human transmission, it is to be expected that new cases will continue to be confirmed in other areas and countries.

WHO advice

8 It is prudent to remind populations and health workers of the basic principles to reduce the general risk of transmission of acute respiratory infections by following the key preventive measures set out below:

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• .1 avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections;
• .2 frequent hand-washing, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment;
• .3 avoiding unprotected contact with farm or wild animals;
• .4 people with symptoms of an acute respiratory infection should practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, and wash hands); and
• .5 within healthcare facilities, enhance standard infection prevention and control practices in hospitals, especially in emergency departments.

WHO does not recommend any specific health measures for travellers. However, travellers who develop symptoms suggestive of acute respiratory illness, either during or after travel, are encouraged to seek medical attention and share their travel history with their healthcare provider. Health authorities should collaborate with travel, transport and tourism sectors to provide travellers with information to reduce the general risk of transmission of acute respiratory infections through health centres, travel agencies, transport operators and points of entry.

10 Travellers who have had contact with confirmed cases of the disease or direct exposure to a potential source of infection should be placed under medical observation and share their travel history with their healthcare provider. High-risk cases should avoid travelling during the incubation period (14 days).

11 The advice to the public on the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) published on the WHO website contains WHO standard recommendations for the general public aimed at reducing exposure to and transmission of a range of illnesses, protecting oneself and others from illness and staying healthy while travelling. WHO travel advice in relation to the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) can be found at:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/travel-advice

12 In accordance with the information currently available on the novel coronavirus, WHO advises that measures be applied to limit the risk of exportation or importation of the disease without this imposing unnecessary restrictions on international traffic.

13 Member States are advised to urge all stakeholders (companies, managers, crew agents, etc.) to promulgate information to ensure that seafarers, passengers and others on board ships are provided with accurate and relevant information on the coronavirus outbreak and on measures to reduce the risk of exposure if they are likely to be on board ships arriving from or departing for ports in coronavirus-affected States.

Guidance available

14 Advice and guidance for seafarers and shipping are provided in the following links (non-exhaustive list):

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• IInternational Maritime Health Association (IMHA) advice for shipping companies on the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)
• USCG Novel Coronavirus Precautions (United States Coast Guard)

WHO publishes advice on international travel and health. This information is regularly reviewed and updated and is available at:
www.who.int/ith/updates

Additional information may also be found at:

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• https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/01/1056031
• https://www.who.int/ith/other_health_risks/en/

The following publications may also be useful:

• WHO International Health Regulations (IHR)
• WHO Guide to ship sanitation
• International Medical Guide for Ships