Debated in Parliament on 5 Oct 2020.
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Transport (a) what is the number of COVID-19 cases from the crew of ships visiting Singapore port waters in the last six months; and (b) what are the COVID-19 safety measures required for all workmen, ship agents' or ship suppliers' personnel and other persons boarding commercial vessels visiting Singapore port waters.
Let me first explain that it is essential for ships and their crew to call at Singapore’s port. We are a major international port, and thousands of ships call at the Port of Singapore every month to deliver goods into our country, bring out exported goods, and ensure that the global supply chain remains undisrupted. Inevitably, some crew members will be infected with COVID-19 and become imported cases in Singapore.
Since March 2020, there were a total of 21 COVID-19 positive cases from the crew of three ships that visited Singapore’s port waters. Two COVID-19 positive cases were also detected amongst shore-based personnel. They boarded one of the three ships and got infected, unfortunately. Based on Maritime and Port Authority's (MPA) investigations, the two personnel had consumed meals that were prepared onboard the ship with the ship's crew, using shared utensils. Fortunately, they have since recovered.
The precautionary measures for shore-based personnel boarding ships in Singapore’s port waters are stated in two MPA Port Marine Circulars. These measures go beyond the guidelines issued by the International Maritime Organization and the World Health Organization. They include wearing of masks at all times; donning of additional personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and surgical gowns except in situations where doing so jeopardises operational and personal safety; minimising time spent on the ship to reduce the risk of infection; and maintaining a safe distance of at least two metres when on board. Crew on board the vessels must also observe similar precautionary measures, when shore-based personnel are on board.
In addition, since September 2020, MPA has progressively rolled out Rostered Routine Testing for shore-based personnel who frequently board ships. Port workers, pilots, surveyors, cargo officers as well as launch and supply boat operators are tested once every 14 days for COVID-19. To date, around 1,200 have been tested and all have tested negative for COVID-19.
MPA will continue to update its Port Marine Circulars when required, as the pandemic situation evolves.
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