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Ports on frontline of fight against COVID-19

30 March 2020

Various countries have taken measures to protect staff working in port communities and ensure the continuity of ports' operations.

The maritime industry is playing a pivotal role in the global response to the threat posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

It is transporting most-needed items such as vital medical supplies and equipment, as well as food, raw materials and manufactured goods and components.

These are essential for addressing people’s basic needs, preserving jobs, maintaining international trade and sustaining the global economy.

UNCTAD has urged countries to keep ports open for ship calls and to allow crews’ changeover for maritime trade to continue.

Various countries have taken additional measures to protect the staff working in port communities and ensure the continuity of ports’ operations.

UNCTAD has produced a compilation of best practices and measures taken by various ports that are part of its TrainForTrade Network that could serve as generic guidelines.

It includes a crisis protocol that can be used as a guide on actions that should be implemented in relation to strictly defined crisis levels.