NMPT bars entry of cruise ship

Mangaluru: With coronavirus cases being reported in India, the ministry of health and family welfare is stepping up efforts to create awareness on the outbreak. As part of this, the 10th battalion team from the regional response centre of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) conducted an awareness programme at Mangaluru International Airport for stakeholders including immigration, AAI staff, customs and airlines, among others.
Led by assistant commissioner Venkata Praveen Reddy Kuna and four officers, the team gave an initial brief about coronavirus, Covid-19 and symptoms associated with it. Dr Venkata Praveen gave a live demonstration on use of personal protective equipment and how to prevent infection.
The team also sensitized the stakeholders present on handling passengers affected by Covid-19 and precautions that need to be taken in dealing with them.
V V Rao, airport director, MIA told STOI that Airports Authority of India is taking all steps as directed by the ministry of civil aviation and director-general of civil aviation about this disease. All international passengers are being screened on arrival as per ministry directives and DGCA guidelines, Rao said, adding a DGCA team is expected to come to MIA next week to inspect first-hand the implementation of health protocols laid down by it.
In a related development, New Mangalore Port Trust authorities turned back MSC Lirica, a cruise vessel with Panama flag, into the Port in view of a directive from the ministry of shipping not to allow any cruise ship from any foreign destination to call on Indian ports. A V Ramana, chairman, NMPT said ministry has directed all Indian ports to deny entry to cruise ships till March 31. India is in middle of annual cruise season and about 25 vessels are expected to call on the port during this cruise season.