Precautionary measures to minimise risk of community spread of COVID-19

04 Apr 2020 / Georgia

The Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia has implemented measures to avoid the risk of community spread of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The Government has also put up health advisories at sea checkpoints to inform travelers and ship crew on precautions to take when traveling, as well as to remain vigilant and adopt good hygiene practices.

The Georgian President has declared a nationwide state of emergency effective until 21 April, and the Government has launched a dedicated web page (in Georgian and English) at https://stopcov.gov.ge

As part of the measures, restrictions have been imposed on the entry of foreign nationals, which apply to all foreign nationals except (dedicated on a case-by-case basis):

  • Representative of diplomatic missions and international organisations accredited to Georgia and their family members
  • Mixed families where of the spouses of under-age child is a citizen of Georgia
  • Persons arriving in Georgia as part of a humanitarian mission if a trip for such missions (doctors, volunteers, etc) to Georgia becomes necessary
  • Individuals who have been granted the status of stateless person by the respective Georgian authorities
  • Individuals holding status-neutral travel documents
  • Individuals having refugee status in Georgia

All cruise vessel calls to Georgian ports have been halted.

Ships calling at Georgian ports shall, at least 24 hours before arrival, submit Maritime Health Declaration with annexes.

If as ship, her crew or passengers entered countries consider High Risk within the last 21 days they will be subject to thermal screening.

The ship Master is also responsible for observing the further health of crew and passengers while alongside, at anchorage points or waiting areas and must communicate any suspicious cases to the Harbour Master and appropriate authorities without undue delay.

If submitted documents or screening show the existence of COVID-19 on board, all possible contacts will be restricted with the subject vessel.

Pilots must use personal safety equipment when going onboard, including mask, single use gloves and safety glasses. All crew are requested to put on masks and PPE to prevent the spread of virus before meeting pilots embarking on the weather dock. The Bridge team must also wear masks during pilotage.

(For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Georgia, contact the GAC Dubai Hub Agency Centre at [email protected])

Source: LAM Shipping Agencies Georgia LLC – GAC agent

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