A pilot in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, infected with COVID-19, will the port be closed?

Time:2022-02-09 Publisher:Kevin Num:3416

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The time has come to 2022, and the impact of the epidemic on the world continues. In the shipping industry, the impact is huge, because the crew infection leads to shipping delays from time to time.


Just recently, a port pilot in Kaohsiung port, Taiwan was diagnosed with covid-19, and the source of the infection is unknown. According to Taiwan media reports, the pilot had contacted nearly 40 ships, and many workers returned to their posts at that time.


Taiwan International Port Corporation (TIPC) said the pilot did not carry out the inspection in accordance with the regulations. This resulted in nearly 174 pilots being placed on the quarantine list.


Some experts said that the sudden outbreak of the epidemic may lead to the cessation of port operations, resulting in the risk of port congestion.


To this end, the local government has sent an epidemic prevention team to conduct multiple nucleic acid tests on port workers and pilots. Those who fail to complete the tests are not allowed to board the ship. Moreover, since February 9, all ports in Taiwan need to hold inspection certificates before boarding.


In fact, the pilot had completed three doses of vaccine, but he had frequent contact with several cargo ships. Since most cargo ships have gone to sea, the follow-up will be supervised by the port authority.


It is understood that the Kaohsiung Municipal government has decided to impose a fine of NT $300000 on the pilot. At the same time, the port department will also impose a fine of NT $200000.