The expansion of the coronavirus continues to affect Latin America's port system, which has implemented new actions against the pandemic to its protocols to maintain its logistics activity.
Peru
The National Port Authority of Peru (APN) requested the Port Protection and Security Management Systems be applied in the terminals and port facilities, via protocols against COVID-19. For this purpose, they dictated guidelines of the protocols for the operators of APM Terminals Callao and DP World Callao.
APM Terminals Callao announced that, from April 13 to 18, it wouldn't receive or dispatch containers on the 23:00-07:00 shift. This measurement was taken due to the confirmation of coronavirus cases.
The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) reported that cargo and goods transport drivers could make use of an application that allows them to identify the road stations that have stores as well as where they can get fuel and food to supply their needs while the State of National Emergency lasts.
Ecuador
The Posorja Deep Water Port continues to operate for activities related to foreign trade and more than 100 employees carry out telework using different communication and collaboration platforms.
Contecon Guayaquil and Manta's Port Terminal installed disinfection systems with automatic detection upon entry and applied biosecurity measures for the entire logistics chain.
Brazil
The National Aquatic Transport Agency (ANTAQ) reported that, in order to reduce the effects of the crisis in the regulated sectors, they had suspended procedural deadlines, extended public hearings, applied guidelines and restrictions to longitudinal passenger transport activities, and that they had approved resolutions that govern the ordinary meetings of the Agency's Virtual and Electronic Board.
Mexico
The Ministry of Communications and Transportation of Mexico (SCT) announced the delivery of permits and authorizations to ships or naval devices that present services related to the transportation of passengers and cargo.
Moreover, the Port of Lazaro Cardenas, the Integral Port Administration of Veracruz, and the Integral Port Administration of Altamira stated that they were still operating efficiently by following the guidelines of the International Health Institutions and the Federal Government.
Chile
The Chacabuco Port Company (Emporcha) in southern Chile is implementing the prevention measures established by the Ministry of Health and the Captaincy of Puerto Chacabuco, aimed at the operation of the ships and their workers.
The Austral Port Company (Epaustral) confirmed one of its team members at the Jose de los Santos Mardones Terminal in Punta Arenas had tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, the company activated its internal protocol and informed the people at risk that they had to initiate a period of preventive quarantine. They also implemented additional sanitation measures at the facilities.
