Chennai (Tamil Nadu): Indian port authorities have decided not to allow the disembarkation of crew of ships from China, as well as Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand and Singapore, to avoid the spreading of the deadly coronavirus, said an official.
"Disembarkation of crew of ships from China, Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand and Singapore are not allowed in order to avoid any risk of coronavirus spreading here. This condition is applicable in all the Indian ports," S. Senthilnathan, Health Officer, Chennai Port, said.
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He further said that the ships from these countries are allowed to berth but the crew will not be allowed to disembark regardless of their nationality.
The berthing ships will also not be allowed to dump their garbage.
According to Senthilnathan, pre-arrival health data of the crew from all the ships are collected even before they berth.
Data about crew joining the ship midway will also be collected.