Cargo boat crew from COVID-hit areas banned from disembarking in Cebu City ports

CEBU CITY –– Mayor Edgardo Labella said crew members of cargo boats from COVID-19-affected countries were not allowed to disembark or have close contact with local stevedores and other port personnel.

He said these vessels were prevented from docking immediately upon arrival since their crew would have to be tested first by the Bureau of Quarantine for COVID-19.

Only when tested negative would they be permitted to unload their cargos.

Labella said the crew should communicate with local stevedores at a safe distance. They were not also allowed to leave their trash behind.

“We cannot put them on 14-day quarantine because it would affect the movement of cargoes and eventually, the economy,” he added.

Labella said at least 20 cargo vessels from China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong dock in Cebu City’s ports per month to unload and load cargoes.

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