Precautions for the prevention of the novel coronavirus infection are displayed on the electronic board at Incheon Port Terminal 1 International Passenger Terminal. [Photo by Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] As the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) spreads, quarantine measures for passengers arriving on international ferries from China at Incheon Port are being significantly strengthened.
Incheon Port Authority announced on the 29th that, while reinforcing quarantine personnel, it will switch from the existing terminal quarantine to onboard quarantine for ferry passengers from China.
The authority held a meeting the previous day attended by the National Incheon Quarantine Station, Incheon Port Facility Management Center, and ferry company officials, agreeing to make every effort to block the novel coronavirus.
These organizations shared the recognition that onboard management of international ferries from China is most important to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, and decided to focus on continuous temperature checks and mask-wearing for passengers and crew from the boarding stage, installation of hand sanitizers, and isolation room management and immediate notification to related agencies in case of symptomatic individuals.
Additionally, extra disinfection will be conducted in terminal arrival and departure halls and waiting rooms, and masks and thermometers will be additionally secured to prepare for any situation.
The China-origin ferries have been undergoing regular ship inspections since the last arrival at Incheon Port on the 24th, coinciding with China's Spring Festival (Lunar New Year) holiday, and four ferries from Dandong, Sudao, Weihai, and Lianyungang are scheduled to arrive in Incheon on the 31st.
There are a total of 16 regular ferry routes connecting Korea and China, with 10 routes at Incheon, 5 at Pyeongtaek, and 1 at Gunsan.
An official from Incheon Port Authority stated, "The public and private sectors will maintain an organic cooperative system and concentrate all capabilities on preventing the domestic inflow of the novel coronavirus through international ferries."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
