The advance of the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus has left the port sector on alert. ANVISA (the national health surveillance agency) has imposed new rules that prevent the embarking or disembarking of crew members who have traveled to six countries in Africa within the last 14 days. Everyone must go through quarantine, and take the test that detects the virus. The health authority issued two technical notes recommending temporary restrictive measures with regard to travelers from countries such as South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, including the crew of cargo vessels. The rules were issued after the publication of an ordinance by Brazil’s Department of State which follows measures adopted in other countries to prevent the entry of this new variant of Covid-19 into the country. In practice, the new rules prevent the disembarkation of crew members who are aboard freighters that passed through the countries less than two weeks ago.
Sources: A Tribuna/Datamar News