The new coronavirus is causing an outbreak of a pneumonia-type illness in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. This outbreak began in early December 2019 and continues to expand in scope and magnitude. On Jan. 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the virus outbreak a global health emergency.

In coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Coast Guard has issued the following news release for vessel owners/operators and local stakeholders.

Vessels destined for a U.S. port are required to report to the CDC any sick or deceased crew/passengers during the 15 days prior to arrival at a U.S. port. Guidance to vessels on reporting deaths and illnesses to the CDC can be found here. U.S. flagged commercial vessels are also advised to report ill crew members in accordance with the requirements of each foreign port called upon.

Non-passenger commercial vessels that have been to China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) or embarked crew members who have been in China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) within the last 14 days, with no sick crew members, will be permitted to enter the U.S. and conduct normal operations, with restrictions. Crew members on these vessels will be required under the U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) authority to remain aboard the vessel except to conduct specific activities directly related to vessel cargo or provisioning operations.

The Northwest Seaport Alliance and Washington state ports are in communication with the Coast Guard through its Area Maritime Security Committee, which was established to be prepared for events such as this. 

The CDC is the main federal response agency. For situational updates, check the CDC’s website.