Push for funding to deal with coronavirus

Following the UK Health Secretary’s statement that Coronavirus represents a ”serious and imminent threat” to public health, the chief executive of the British Ports Association (BPA) said that the organisation has “concerns” that some port health authorities do not have “adequate resources” to deal with the virus.

Richard Ballantyne said: “The risks are still low but local authorities need additional public support to devise their emergency plans in case the situation escalates.”

In the UK, port health authorities are responsible for developing health controls at seaports and airports and are tasked with preventing the introduction of dangerous epidemic diseases through shipping activity without creating unnecessary disruptions to world trade.

Mr Ballantyne added: “Port health authorities, which are managed by local authorities, have a critical role to play in ensuring the Wuhan Coronavirus does not further spread to the UK via our ports and airports. Although the government is planning to produce official guidance for the UK maritime sector, ports are liaising with their relevant public health and port health bodies.”

Some UK port health authorities have implemented enhanced screening measures, but with coronavirus now in Europe, the risks from shorter flights and sailings need to be managed, noted Mr Ballantyne.