In line with the Department of Health’s (DOH) Advisory (DOH Department Memorandum No. 2009-0171) regarding the Influenza A(H1N1), entitled “Technical Guidelines to Effect the Continuum of Approach from Containment to Migration Strategies in the Control of Influenza A(H1N1) Virus” and with the announcement of the World Health Organization (WHO) of a phase 6 pandemic, and the increasing number of confirmed cases in the country, all shipping companies, shipowners/operators, charterers, public service operators and other maritime entities are hereby directed to implement the necessary guidelines and activities as part of the preventive measures and in response to mitigation strategies focusing on the care of the commuters of Philippine-registered vessels:

1. Provision of alcohol and hand sanitizers to all persons;
2. Use of thermal scanners to check temperature of passengers;
3. Availability of soap and water in all comfort rooms;
4. Posting of health advisories in strategic locations within the area; and
5. Provision of face masks for passengers with cough or colds or above normal temperature.

For strict compliance.

Adopted: 03 Aug. 2009

(SGD.) MARIA ELENA H. BAUTISTA
Administrator