THE Cebu Port Authority (CPA) has reiterated its call for all port workers and stakeholders to observe and follow strict security and health protocols in ports at all times.
“As the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and general community quarantine (GCQ) remain in effect here in Cebu City and Cebu Province, respectively, we should not be complacent with the enforcement of quarantine measures. In fact, we continue to strengthen it and innovate how we could further reinforce our protection and reduce the transmission of COVID-19,” said CPA General Manager Leonilo Miole.
Following the issuance of the Interim Guidelines on Workplace Prevention and Control of COVID-19, workers and employers are now required to follow total precautionary measures in the workplace.
“Given our crucial role to ensure unimpeded movement and delivery of cargoes, we have since implemented strict and stringent protocols in our ports,” added GM Miole.
Consistent with the recently issued guidelines, CPA has provided all its personnel with face masks, which they are mandated to wear at all times, except when eating or drinking. Also, all are required to follow protocol upon entering the port and office premises such as disinfection and temperature check.
In addition, CPA has also installed 30 additional handwashing stations in all CPA controlled and managed ports and terminals in the province. These lavatories are installed in strategic locations in ports such as entrance and exit gates, operational areas for dockworkers, entrance to CPA offices and field offices of Cargo Handling Service Providers (CHSPs) where clients and port workers transact business. Handwashing is being strictly imposed for all persons entering and leaving the port premises.
To ensure full compliance of social distancing, Miole instructed the CPA Port Police to restrict common areas in ports where people likely gather in crowds. Eating in communal areas is also discouraged.
An on-duty nurse deployed by the Department of Health (DOH)-Central Visayas in Cebu Baseport Terminal is also assigned to assess individuals held in the isolation area.
Those "at risk" workers and vulnerable groups, or those 60 years old or of any age with comorbidities or pre-existing illness, such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer, or with immunocompromised health status or with high-risk pregnancy are advised to do work from home arrangement including those employees living in areas with high density of Covid-19 cases.
To ensure the safety of all port workers and port users, regular disinfection is also being conducted within port premises.
“CPA is doing its best to strengthen the measures to prevent infection or transmission of the coronavirus disease, at the same time, we are gradually and meticulously preparing for the “new normal” to ensure public health and security in ports. But we cannot do it alone. We need everyone’s full compliance and cooperation,” said Miole. (PR)