News

31 January 2020

The increase in confirmed Novel
Coronavirus cases has accelerated sharply in recent days.

In China, on 27 January 2020,
the World Health Organization (WHO) reported a total of 2741 confirmed cases
and 80 deaths.  As of today (31 January
2020), the number of confirmed cases on mainland China has risen to 9,810 and
the death toll has hit 213 according to China’s National Health Commission.

Chinese experts estimate that the
Novel Coronavirus outbreak could peak in ten days, but some researchers
estimate that the outbreak will peak in late April or early May.  It has been proved that the virus is
contagious during the incubation period and this suggests that asymptomatic
people could be spreading the disease undetected.

Today, WHO declared the new
coronavirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

For the time being, based on the
information currently available, WHO does not recommend any international travel
or trade restrictions.

China has imposed travel
restrictions in the Hubei province of which Wuhan is the capital.

In an attempt to contain the
epidemic, the Chinese government has also extended the national New Year
holiday to 3 February 2020.  Furthermore,
in all the major cities of China, it is suggested that people work from home to
reduce the risk of infection in public areas.

Major airlines such as British
Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, Air Canada and American Airlines, have
suspended their flights to and from mainland China and this may create delays
in crew changes or medical evacuations.

To date, no confirmed Novel
Coronavirus cases have occurred on board any sea going vessels but two
suspected cases were excluded from cruise ships.  Fortunately, their test results proved
negative.

Chinese seaports are intensifying
checks at port entry points and this may also result in delays.  Nevertheless, Budd China’s staff and
surveyors in all the main Chinese ports remain on hand to assist vessels.

Vessels calling in Chinese ports are
advised that crew members should avoid physical contact with people ashore and
immediately report any suspected case of Novel Coronavirus (i.e. any person
with fever, coughing or breathing difficulties) to the port authorities.

Information provided by Budd China

budd.china@budd-pni.com

Mobile: +86 150 0193 4853