WITH the conditional resumption of inter-island travels, the risk of further spread of COVID-19 amongst the population also increases.
Currently, the conditions and measures to mitigate this further spread involve COVID-19 testing at the Point Cruz wharf in Honiara and provincial capitals. Other smaller seaports are also conducting COVID-19 tests for intending travelers.
However, gathering of passengers inside of ships can potentially lead to further spread of the virus as such the National Health Emergency Operation Centre (NHEOC) has partnered with the domestic fleet of sea vessels, their captains, and crews to support decontamination of the vessels.
George Titiulu, Deputy Director of Environmental Health Division, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, responsible for decontamination activities explains, ‘with the currently limited manpower both in Honiara and the provinces to carry out decontamination, we have opted to partner with the ship captains and crews to support with decontamination’,
‘The training has just started with the first 4 ships issued with decontamination certificate, following training of four crew members for each of the vessels including their warehouse personnel. Basically, should any passenger test positive for COVID-19 the vessel will be decontaminated thereby mitigating the further spread of the virus as it can also pass through droplets from sneezing or coughing on surfaces,’ said Mr. Titutlu.
He added that getting the ships to do the decontamination themselves is also necessary to reduce waiting time for clearance for their next voyage. Previously ships had to wait in line for hours for their turn to be decontaminated by our workers and this often disrupts their schedules and consequently travel plans of passengers as well.
The training is continuing for remaining vessels and involves an explanation of the decontamination process and items to decontaminate, training on the use of personal protective equipment and infection prevention and control supplies, and so forth.
After each training, the ship crews then carry out actual decontamination work that is assessed by the port health team and once all criteria are met, a decontamination certificate for the vessel is issued.
The Ministry of Health therefore applauds ship owners and operators, the captains and crew members for the positive response to partner with health in this regard, an encouraging demonstration of the true spirit of Umi tugeda against COVID-19.
SOURCE : MHMS PRESS
Feature Photo caption: Health workers trained ship captains and crews on decontamination
