The Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) granted more flexibility to the rules that control seafarers’ access to cargo ships. Now, workers are no longer required to present negative Covid-19 tests before boarding though vaccination is now mandatory as requested by port operators. The regulation implemented in December last year was valid for crew members, pilots, maritime agents and brokers, suppliers, port operators, and other service providers who need to go aboard vessels. At the time, everyone had to present proof of complete vaccination against covid-19, in addition to a PCR test carried out for the detection of the disease up to 72 hours before boarding or a rapid antigen test 24 hours before accessing the vessel. Preliminary screening was also required. Now, non-crew professionals and third parties are exempt from testing as long as they wear N95 or PFF2 type masks and maintain physical distance from the crew on board when providing port support services. The worker’s health will continue to be monitored, and epidemiological investigations will still be conducted when necessary.
Sources: A Tribuna/Datamar News