Request for more UK Coronavirus support

As the number of new confirmed cases of the Wuhan Coronavirus, or COVID-19, grows, particularly in mainland Europe, the British Ports Association (BPA) has written to the UK Health Secretary, Matt Hancock MP to outline the UK port sector’s growing concerns.

Commenting on the letter sent to the Health Secretary, Richard Ballantyne, chief executive at the BPA, said: “UK ports have been working closely with relevant authorities to prepare for and guard against the spread of the Wuhan Coronavirus. Ports have highlighted though that it is acutely obvious local port health authorities, who are resourced by local authorities, are in real need of additional resources to prepare for such emergency situations.”

The BPA has also noted that some UK ports feel they have been put in the position of having to make decisions on health matters for which they are not qualified. Support may need to include “clear guidance from government in regards to shipping movements from high risk regions, or medical officers giving individual case by case advice,” Mr Ballantyne said.

He noted that while the current risks from direct traffic arriving from Chinese ports is relatively low, the spread of coronavirus in Europe means ports sector is preparing for new risks and challenges such as short sea sailings being subject to new measures.