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Saipan port limits entry of vessels, per Trump proclamation
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Posted on Feb 06 2020
The Port of Saipan has implemented President Donald J. Trump’s proclamation that limits the entry of passenger vessels in an attempt to prevent the entry of the novel coronavirus, according to a Commonwealth Ports Authority statement yesterday.
Similar to the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport, vessels are being informed to not attempt entry into the CNMI if the vessel, its passengers, or any of its crew members have visited the People’s Republic of China within the last 14 days.
Additionally, according to the Marine Safety Information Bulletin Number 02-20, which is issued by the U.S. Coast Guard, “Passenger vessels or any vessel carrying passengers that have been to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) or embarked passengers who have been in China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) within the last 14 days will be denied entry into the United States. If all passengers exceed 14 days since being in China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) and are symptom-free, the vessel will be permitted to enter the United States to conduct normal operations. These temporary measures are in place to safeguard the American public.”
The bulletin sets some exemptions on non-passenger commercial vessels. The bulletin states, “Non-passenger commercial vessels that have been to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) or embarked crewmembers who have been in China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) within the last 14 days, with no sick crewmembers, will be permitted to enter the U.S. and conduct normal operations, with restrictions. Crewmembers on these vessels will be required under COTP authority to remain aboard the vessel except to conduct specific activities directly related to vessel cargo or provisioning operations.” (Saipan Tribune)
