Namhae Coast Guard, Emergency Inspection to Block Maritime Virus Inflow

Preparation Status for Transport Using Traps, Inspection of Quarantine Supplies Condition

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Yoseop] Amid rising anxiety due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the Namhae Maritime Police Agency has launched an emergency inspection to prevent the virus from entering via the sea.

On the 20th, the Namhae Maritime Police Agency announced that it plans to inspect the readiness for transporting suspected COVID-19 patients using patrol vessels by the 21st, in case suspected patients occur on ships or islands passing through its jurisdictional waters.

This follows recent reports of suspected COVID-19 cases on ships. On the 17th, a Myanmar national crew member showing high fever symptoms on Ship A, which was docked at Busan North Port Sinsundae Pier, was ultimately confirmed 'negative.'

The Namhae Maritime Police Agency plans to thoroughly check the condition of quarantine supplies such as protective suits and hand sanitizers on patrol vessels and to intensively train crew members on infection prevention to ensure safety during the transport of suspected patients at sea.

Kim Hong-hee, Chief of the Namhae Maritime Police Agency, said, "We will thoroughly prevent infections at sea through smooth cooperation with local quarantine stations," adding, "We will expand inspections to adjacent maritime police stations such as Changwon to further strengthen the quarantine system."

The Coast Guard is measuring the body temperature of the crew members on the patrol vessel 1501 of the Busan Coast Guard. (Photo by Namhae Coast Guard)