News 26 Aug, 2014 Ebola - Advice to Members Below is an overview of information and advice received to date from various sources referred to in our Ebola link concerning the issues that may affect Members arising from the recent Ebola virus outbreak.   Ports issues With the situation on Ebola outbreak changing almost daily we strongly advise Members to keep in close contact with their local agents prior to arrival at each port of call to ensure they have the most up to date information on any new restrictions or procedures that may be imposed in those places so they are well prepared for any delays or requirement of the ship to be quarantined. To date there are no restrictions to entry into Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Nigeria being the main countries are affected by Ebola. The only restrictions are those posted in our last update: Argentina’s River Plate area – pilots will not be allowed to go on board any vessels coming from ports affected with Ebola until further notice. Brazil  - ANVISA guidelines - all vessels calling at Brazilian ports must present a Maritime Declaration of Health (MDH) to be submitted 12 hours prior to the vessels arrival in port. US Coast Guard bulletin 7 August – all vessels coming to US ports from Ebola affected ports must inform the relevant port authority 15 days prior to arrival if anyone on board has any communicable disease including Ebola. South Africa – stowaways/crew  – greater restrictions and inspections for vessels coming from affected ports to determine if anyone on board is infected. This will cause delays and problems particularly with landing stowaways at these ports. Crew issues The main obligations for Members in relation to crew is to provide them with adequate information about the virus and to ensure strict adherence/implementation of the requisite safeguards to minimise the risk of infection. Advice about the Ebola Virus, how it can be caught and how to avoid infection Ebola is not airborne Incubati