[ad_1]
The port of Napier will prevent the Ken Rei from docking until next week, despite advice from the Health Ministry that it could dock safely.
On Sunday the port was notified that the ship heading to Napier had a possible exposure to Covid-19, so, according to the advice of the local Public Health Unit, it had it anchor at sea, rather than take it to the dock.
The ship remained at sea until a plan to test the crew was put in place.
Dan Browne / Stuff
The Ken Rei logging ship, anchored off Napier, where 21 crew members are in limbo after being considered close contacts of a Covid-19 case.
A port spokesperson said he was informed by the Health Ministry on Tuesday that the vessel could safely dock at any New Zealand port and load cargo following existing Covid 19 procedures and guidelines.
READ MORE:
* No new close contacts of Covid-infected dockworkers in New Plymouth
* Covid-19: The Latest Community Case Work on the North Shore Marine Business
* Covid-19: Three ships at the center of the investigation into the source of the man’s infection.
Stuff
The Ken Rei cannot enter Napier Harbor, pictured, until next Wednesday.
The Ministry said the 21 crew members are reported to be well 7 days after the alleged contact, that crew testing could be offered once the ship has docked, and that no shore permits will be granted unless approved by the medical officer. local. of health
On Wednesday, the spokesman said there was no cargo for the vessel to pick up at the port and that the cargo the vessel was entering Napier to pick up on Sunday had already left the docks on a replacement vessel.
“For all these reasons, Napier Port believes that the best precaution for its people and the community is to keep the Ken Rei anchored offshore until Wednesday, October 28, 2020, which is the equivalent of a 14-day isolation. for the ship from the date of exposure to Covid-19, ”he said.
“At that time, we will assess the circumstances of the vessel. This is in line with our responsibility to our people (and the community) under the Health and Safety at Work Act, ”he said.
While the ship is anchored offshore, the port would deliver the necessary supplies and continue to offer assistance in bringing medical personnel to the ship to facilitate testing.
