Gopalpur Port takes precautionary measures for COVID-19

Bhubaneswar: Gopalpur Ports Limited (GPL) has taken all precautionary measures to prevent the outbreak of COVID – 19, said a statement on Wednesday.

A detailed process has been established wherein continuous monitoring and screening of all foreign and domestic ships and ship’s crew are being carried out.

Any vessel that has its port of origin from countries listed by Government of India such as China, Korea, Japan, Italy etc are being quarantined for 14 days. 

After 14-day quarantine, the crew of the vessel is checked for any symptoms and if required tested, the statement said. 

For vessels other than the impacted countries, pre-arrival reporting form declaring good health of all crew is sought 24 hours prior to arrival from the shipmaster to prevent the spread of the COVID – 19.

In addition, the port has also developed its own standard operating procedures (SOP) measures such as and is complying with International Maritime Organizations (IMO) and World Health Organization (WHO) reporting form – “Maritime Declaration of Health” and Port of call list that are being scrutinized by Port health and marine team on a 24×7 basis.

It has also taken an additional precaution by recording body temperature of all crew members of the foreign ship’s inside port limit on daily twice basis.

An isolation ward has been created and non-contact infrared temperature guns, N-95 face masks, disposable gloves & caps, fully equipped ambulance with 3 paramedics available round the clock and  spraying of de-contaminant liquid (Sodium Hypochlorite) is being done on ship’s boarding area for embarkation/disembarkation of operation staff. 

GPL has undertaken a number of measures to educate its employees and workmen on hygiene measures to avoid spread of Corona Virus.