MSIB 04-20

Novel Coronavirus Precautions

The maritime industry should be alert to the risks associated with the Coronavirus and take appropriate precautions. A novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak originated in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in early December 2019. On January 24, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) confirmed the second case of the virus in the U.S. More information on the virus and travel alerts is available at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/.

Vessel representatives are reminded of the following requirements to report hazardous conditions and illnesses:
• The master of a ship destined for the Delaware Bay Captain of the Port zone shall report to the CDC, the occurrence, on board, of any death or any ill person among passengers or crew (including those who have disembarked or have been removed) during the 15-day period preceding the date of expected arrival in accordance with 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 71.21. The CDC Philadelphia Station can be reached 24 hours a day at (215) 365-6401.
• Also, under 33 CFR. § 160.216, the owner, agent, master, operator, or person in charge of a vessel is required to immediately notify the nearest Coast Guard Sector whenever there is a hazardous condition aboard the vessel. While the presence of a person with Coronavirus like symptoms does not by itself constitute a hazardous condition, vessel operators should report suspected cases or other unusual circumstances whenever they are in doubt.
• Vessel masters should inform Coast Guard and Customs boarding teams of any ill crewmembers onboard.

Key points to remember concerning novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV):
• Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.
• The Coronavirus is commonly spread through the air by coughing & sneezing; close contact (e.g. touching or shaking hands); touching a surface with the virus on it then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes before washing hands; and in rare circumstances, fecal contamination.

To reduce the risk of infection, personnel are recommended to:
• Avoid close contact with people suffering from respiratory infections. Frequently wash hands, especially after direct contact with ill people or their belongings and environment.
• Seek medical care early and share previous travel history with your health care provider, if you have fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

If you have any questions regarding the contents of this bulletin, please contact the Sector Delaware Bay Port State Control Division at (215) 271-4887 or SecDelBay.PortState@uscg.mil.




S. E. Anderson
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard
Captain of the Port
Sector Delaware Bay