Local authorities in China reported three sailors who had worked onboard a cargoship from Wuhan were infected with a new, deadly coronavirus.
In a web statement from the health authorities of Wuhu, the three men – aged between 53 and 57 – began to show symptoms when their vessel transited via the river port city in central China earlier this week.
Their ship had been running a Yangtze River shuttle service between Changshu and Wuhan. It previously called at Wuhan, where the virus was first found, on 21 January.
The patients were isolated at hospital wards and in stable conditions, the statement said.
As of Friday, China reported more than 9,800 cases of infection and 200 deaths nationwide.
To ensure the transport of daily necessities, the Chinese transport ministry has ordered local port authorities not to refuse entry of vessels from Wuhan “without specific reasons”, though.
“Local water transport authorities must not reject calls of cargoships at own will,” the ministry said. “We need to prioritise the shipments of goods to meet basic needs and medial requirements.”
Worldwide pandemic
Outside of China, more than 100 cases have been reported in 22 countries in Asia, Europe and North America, according to media reports.
On Wednesday, the Singaporean government said a 56-year-old seafarer who had travelled from Wuhan to the city was confirmed as a patient.
The Chinese national was working and living onboard a cargo vessel off Singapore before being admitted to an isolation room at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases.
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), whose members represent 80% of the world’s merchant fleet, has called on shipowners to step up screening efforts at ports and collaborate with public health authorities when suspected patients are found on board.
“The shipping industry will always prioritise the health of our crew and members of the public above all else. We have recommended that all our members across the world follow the WHO (World Health Organisation) measures,” ICS secretary general Guy Platten said.
“By implementing the measures in their entirety, we are avoiding the needless closure of any port.”
