COVID-19
We are sorry to break this to you, but Corona virus is not done with the world yet. As a matter of fact, in many countries it is yet to peak including USA and United Kingdom. According to the latest figures, Covid-19 has caused over 1.6 million confirmed cases and over 97 thousand confirmed deaths (unofficial figures showing numbers way above the official ones) In united kingdom it has around 65 thousand confirmed cases and around 8 thousand confirmed deaths, and it’s just in the middle of its destructive streak yet. It is affecting the whole world at the moment and disrupting every aspect of normal life.
Cargo industry is severely affected by the Covid-19 crisis. Almost every country in the world has momentarily blocked the access to its ports and have imposed strict restrictions for berthing of the ships and handling of their crew. Air traffic is facing the difficulties and blockages of its own and is indeed battling to survive financially in those circumstances.
Cargo industry in many countries is viewed as critical infrastructure and is requested to continue their operations as usual so they are operating round the clock to keep the economy and critical supplies running where there is permission by the respective government.
Cargo and parcel industry is taking every possible step to keep its employees and its customers safe and is complying with the guidelines issued by the respective authorities and World Health Organization and US centers for diseases control and prevention.
World Health organization has issued a detailed guidance program to the aviation industry that include the air cargo industry and has requested to comply with it.
Here are the main points from the circular.
- Awareness to aviation personnel about the recognition of signs and symptoms of COVID-19
- Aviation personnel should take preventative measures including social distancing, hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, waste disposal, use of mask, and avoidance of contact with people presenting respiratory symptoms.
- Avoidance of public transport as private transport will be arranged by the company.
- Carrying universal precaution kits that contain dry powder, germicidal disinfectant/wipes, face/eye mask full-length long-sleeved gown and Biohazard disposable waste bag.
- Immediate reporting of any potential suspect case and disembarkation of the suspect.
- Identification and management of contacts that were in contact with the suspect.
As far as the cargo is concerned, World Health organization has confirmed that there are very less likely chances that any virus would survive once the cargo is reached at its destination. Following are a few reasons why it says so.
- Every government has set out very stringent rules about the cargo prevention and it is compulsory to spray with strong disinfectants before the cargo is loaded aboard.
- Each parcel is packaged in water tight and air tight packaging so it is not likely to be contaminated during the transportation.
- Corona virus can only live on such surface for only few hours and since these packages takes several days to be transported and delivered to their destination. Chances are slim that there would be any contamination left on them.
- Cargo goes through different extreme atmospheres for several days and that makes it impossible for any virus to survive.
- At every port and airport, it is compulsory that every incoming cargo lot need to be sprayed by strong germicidal disinfectant so again it’s unlikely for the virus to survive.
It is important to remember that while every government and health organization is doing its utmost to keep us safe from any effects of this deadly virus, we should also take protective measures while receiving the parcels.
- Although chances are virtually zero that your package that has reached you after 7 days have any traces of virus left on it, but if you would like to be absolutely sure then pick up the package with a tissue, leave it aside in open air for tree days spray it with disinfectant and wash your hands immediately.
- Normal approach should be to practice social distancing, bring the parcel in open it up and then wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds and then use a sanitizer.
- Make sure you do not touch your mouth, nose or eyes immediately after you touch the parcel and clean up before you can relax and touch your face.
In the end, best advice is to stay at home, practice social distancing and minimize all your activities. By staying at home, you not only save yourself but also save many other lives by not burdening the frontline health services that are busy treating the critically ill. Stay safe, stay inside.
