Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a new, or novel, type of coronavirus – a large family of respiratory viruses which can cause diseases ranging from the common cold to the Middle-East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
In response to the emerging situation and advice given by the World Health Organisation, officers from East Suffolk Council’s Port Health team have implemented enhanced surveillance measures at the Port of Felixstowe.
A Public Health Emergency Contingency Plan, maintained by Port Health and its partners, is in place to respond to any significant issue.
All vessels that have called at any Chinese port are now required to submit a Maritime Declaration of Health (MDH) – a document from the International Health Regulations that contains information about health on-board a ship.
In addition to assessment of the MDH, officers from the Port Health Authority are also undertaking assessment of on-board documentation and providing health protection information.
To date, checks have all been negative however the Port Health team remains vigilant and are monitoring the international developments closely.
Further information can be found at https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019