This was contained in the United Nations bodies’ joint statement last week, urging member states to prioritise seafarers and aircrew in the national COVID-19 vaccination programmes. The UN bodies comprise the World Health Organisation (WHO), International Labour Organisation (ILO), International Maritime Organisation (IMO), International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). xThey also recognised the need for an interoperable global system of COVID-19 certificates to allow seafarers to continue to cross borders. The Secretary-General of ITF, Stephen Cotton, in a statement, said the COVID-19 and its impacts have been felt more acutely by transport workers and their families. xHe said the port health offices should be reactivated to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to seafarers with their discharge papers before they go on board.

Source: The Guardian April 21, 2021 02:15 UTC