With more than 73,000 cases reported so far and 1,873 deaths, the ripple effect of the coronavirus is starting to be felt far and wide. And while the U.S. State Department has issued a
Level 3 Warning
advising Americans to avoid all non-essential travel to China, there haven’t been any other similar health-related travel advisories to other countries.
So, travel continues, as it should. But there are some basic health and safety guidelines everyone could (and should) follow. Particularly those in the yachting community.
Early Detection is Key
While out at sea, wayfarers should keep a vigilant eye on the general health of both passengers and crew. With a
telemedicine kit, every yacht has a virtual walk-in clinic on board allowing for early detection. Telemedicine can actually play a unique role in preventing the spread of viruses: By being able to bring the doctor to a patient while in a quarantine-type environment, the chances of infecting others is greatly reduced.
For anyone on board experiencing symptoms -- whether it be a common cold, flu or virus -- a
telemedicine kit
allows patients to undergo a medical assessment remotely. With secure video conferencing and real time clinical data, a diagnostic feed can be live-streamed to a doctor, all via encrypted technology.
This allows physicians to recommend, with confidence, the necessary procedures to follow. Everyone on board can feel at ease knowing if someone does get sick, a medical evaluation will take place and the appropriate steps will be taken. Further, this exam may allow the captain, crew and passengers to avoid a time consuming and costly trip to a foreign port.
However, if a patient has specific
symptoms
and meets certain
criteria, recommendations on what to next can be made by the attending physician on the telemedicine call.
Coronavirus and the Travel Industry
The CDC has released specific
guidelines for the travel industry, including airline crews and commercial vessels. Yachting is obviously neither of those, but the information is certainly relevant to anyone who travels extensively.
To reduce the spread of any respiratory infections including coronavirus, the CDC has
posted
the following recommendations for crew members and passengers:
● Postpone travel when sick
● Watch their health
● Self-isolate and inform the onboard medical center immediately if they develop a fever (100.4oF / 38oC or higher), begin to feel feverish, or develop other signs or symptoms of sickness
● Use respiratory, cough, and hand hygiene
○ Advise passengers and crew of the importance of covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Dispose used tissues immediately in a disposable container (e.g., plastic bag) or a washable trash can.
○ Remind passengers and crew members to wash their hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, they can use a hand sanitizer containing 60%-95% alcohol).”
Managing Sick Crew or Passengers
After a medical evaluation using a
telemedicine kit, if a passenger or crew member is suspected of having the coronavirus, the CDC recommends they be
quarantined
in their cabins.
Additionally, per the
CDC: “All potentially exposed passengers, cruise ship medical staff, and crew members should self-monitor under supervision of ship medical staff or telemedicine providers until 14 days after the last possible exposure.”
Guidelines for Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus
If you’re traveling with a large group of people, the CDC has set forth these
guidelines
to help reduce the spread of viruses:
• Maintain a distance of approximately 6 feet when out in public areas.
• Keep contact or exposure to anyone who is sick as brief as possible.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds OR
• Use at least a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid public transportation when in port, travel alone or with your group in a private vehicle.
While we're not sure the full, far-reaching effects of the coronavirus yet, it's best to have guidelines, and certainly a
telemedicine kit, in place prior to the first coughs echoing through the cabins.
