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In view of Proclamation No. 929 by the Philippine Government placing the country under a State of Calamity amid Coronavirus Disease (COVID1-19) pandemic, the Port Management Office of Misamis Oriental/Cagayan de Oro called for an emergency meeting with maritime agencies related to health protocols and measures for domestic vessels entering/calling at the Port of Cagayan de Oro and/or at any ports within Macajalar Bay.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), PNP Maritime Group, Misamis Oriental and Camiguin Harbor Pilots, Oroport Cargohandling Services Inc., Bureau of Quarantine-Department of Health (BoQ-DOH), shipping lines, and City Government of Cagayan de Oro.

The meeting presider, Port Services Division Manager Ruby Maria O. Gumapon, relayed to the body the agreement points and recommendations of the City Health Office relative to measures amid COVID-19 as discussed during the meeting on 12 and 13 March 2020, such as designating a quarantine area onboard, coordination with ground personnel should an individual onboard shows symptoms of COVID-19 so an ambulance can be provided in the port upon arrival of the vessel; arrival forms shall be collected to ease contact tracing, among others.

The PCG has also presented the Notice to all Mariners No. 071-2020, and guidelines for Task Sub-Unit Laban COVID-19 (Water Cluster). The Task Force covers passenger ships (domestic and foreign), fishing vessels/boats, cargo vessels (domestic and foreign) and tugboats, plying within the Area of Responsibility (AOR).

The body concurred to the following rules and recommendations:

  • As being conducted in foreign vessels, crew of domestic cargo vessels shall also undergo health check by the BoQ-DOH while on anchorage;
  • Personnel of the cargohandling operator will also conduct their own thermal screening of the vessel crews;
  • No disembarkation of vessel crews shall be strictly implemented. The vessels at berth shall conduct transactions with PPA through their ground personnel;
  • For cargo vessels that will not be using pilotage will present/email the certification from their own nurse to the BoQ for clearance;
  • Should a cargo vessel arrive at wee hours, the shipping line should inform the BoQ of the schedule at least a day before arrival.