The Perishable Products Export Control Board has confirmed that the coronavirus outbreak has at this stage not had a significant impact on their daily operations, ensuring compliance with export protocols. The agency has nevertheless set up a crisis management committee to monitor the situation.
“The PPECB has introduced a number of measures in an attempt to safeguard PPECB employees and clients,” says Lucien Jansen, CEO of the PPECB (right).
Operational staff will not go onboard vessels until further notice and the loading of vessels will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Hazmat suits have been issued for staff in high-risk environments and the agency is in the process of issuing all staff with hand sanitizers, gloves and masks.
Clients entering PPECB premises will be asked to complete a questionnaire in order to evaluate their risk of exposure, while daily office cleaning regimes have intensified. Any employee who displays flu-like symptoms must go home immediately, seek medical advice and only return to work when cleared by a medical practitioner.
“Notwithstanding these measures, the PPECB will continue to deliver an effective service and we do not foresee that our actions will impact exports negatively. We are also ready to introduce contingency plans in the event where any of our employees have been infected (and confirmed) by the coronavirus in order to ensure that operations do continue,” he says.
For more information:
Perishable Products Export Control Board
Tel: +27 21 930 1134
Email: Communications2@ppecb.com
https://ppecb.com/