Mumbai Port Trust sets up isolation ward, deploys thermal scanners to prevent coronavirus spread

The Mumbai Port Trust is taking several proactive steps, including setting up an isolation ward, to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, which has claimed over 600 lives in China so far.

According to a reports, the trust has asked vessel agents and master of foreign vessels coming from countries affected by 2019-CoV (Corona Virus) of China to inform Harbour Master (HM) or Port Health Officer (PHO) through email about crews suspected of infection with details including name, nationality, age, sex, symptoms and the history of previous visit to China.

A self-declaration will be obtained from the crew or passengers with the history of travel to China and those of Chinese origin.

“N95 masks and other Personal Protective Equipments have been procured and issued to the Doctors, Pilots and concerned officers likely to come in contact with vessel crew and passengers. Signages have been placed at prominent locations for creating awareness against the disease,” Mumbai Port Trust said in a release.

“Regular coordination and liaison are maintained with Port Health Officer (PHO) and DG of Health Services. SOP has been framed and circulated to vessel agents and concerned,” it added.

As of February 4, Mumbai Port has used thermal scanners to screen 158 crew members and 19 passengers from vessels either coming from China or having the history of travel to the coronavirus-hit country.

However, no crew/passenger showing symptoms of coronavirus has been detected.

An isolation ward has also been created at Port Trust Hospital in case any crew or passengers shows symptoms of coronavirus and an ambulance is kept standby in the docks for an emergency.

“For crew of the vessel coming from China and South East Asia and crew/passengers who have visited China in the last one month, shore leave/ shore excursion is not being allowed,” the release said.