Cebu port operations undisrupted

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Port Authority (CPA) has assured that all port services will not be disrupted despite the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

But to avoid the entry of COVID-19 in Cebu, CPA is adopting all possible control measures, including body temperature check through a non-contact thermometer, provision of soaps and alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and establishment of isolation rooms and holding areas.

The measures are in compliance with Section 2 of Presidential Proclamation No. 922 series of 2020. It provides that “all government agencies and local government units are hereby enjoined to render full assistance and cooperation and mobilize the necessary resources to undertake critical, urgent, and appropriate response and measures in a timely manner to curtail and eliminate the COVID-19 threat.”

“Though we are on business-as-usual in our port operations, CPA is also doing its share by ensuring that the risk of exposure of our port users is reduced or minimized,” CPA General Manager Leonilo Miole said in a statement.

Based on the issued port protocol by CPA, all passengers including crew and other persons departing from the port shall be subject to mandatory non-contact thermal scan for proactive detection of febrile condition and flu-like and other common symptoms.

“All persons detected to be in a febrile condition or symptomatic at the Cebu baseport shall be immediately referred to the Central Visayas offices of Department of Health and the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), and for subports to the city or the municipal doctor or health facilities for proper assessment,” CPA said.

CPA reminded all Cebu outbound passengers to comply with the enforced port protocol for everyone’s safety.

It added that those persons suspected of having an infectious disease who shall resist or seriously disobey the enforced protocol may be arrested and charged in violation of Presidential Decree 856, otherwise known as the “Code on Sanitation of the Philippines.”

“Our assigned port police are on standby 24/7 to ensure the smooth flow of our port operations,” said Miole

Moreover, CPA advised passengers to be in their assigned terminals at least two hours before the scheduled voyages.

The port management said this is to avoid the hassle and long queues brought about by existing precautionary measures which includes the mandatory thermal screening for both arriving and departing travelers.

All passenger vessels are likewise directed to observe early boarding to avoid possible delays.

Miole also reminded passengers and crew members of international cargo ships that they would not be allowed to disembark and dock unless they could secure clearances and permits from BOQ and the Bureau of Immigration.

The requirements include free pratique or health clearance, shore pass or disembarkation permits, and other pertinent permits.

“On international cargo vessels, CPA remains open in accepting the entry of international ships to our port. Our conditions are the non-disembarkation of vessel crew and the suspension of all visitation privileges extended to seafarers of foreign ships while docked in any CPA-controlled port,” said Miole.  KQD (FREEMAN)