Ministry Shares 6 Steps to Prevent Coronavirus from Air Cargo

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Transportation Ministry is anticipating the entry of the 2019-nCoV virus or novel coronavirus from goods or cargo mobilizations. The Ministry's  Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Novie Riyanto, said his office was preparing six steps.

"The steps are regulated under Circular Letter Number SE 01 of 2020 concerning Handling of Cargo Aircraft from the People's Republic of China," he said on Wednesday, February 5, 2020. 

Firstly, Novie said airports that serve cargo from China must set an isolated parking area. Then, the operating cargo aircraft are required to follow special procedures involving several parties. 

The parties include Air Traffic Control or ATC, the Port Health Office, and ground handling personnel that must wear anti-virus clothing, gloves, and masks. 

The third step is the air transport business entity and the company must provide the manifest of the crew and cargo transported to the airport chief. Data must also be submitted to the Port Health Office and authorized agencies, as well as ground handling.

"Then fourthly, the ATC in charge must notify the arrival of the intended aircraft to airport chief," he said. 

Next is the airport head is obliged to ensure that the Port Health Office and the relevant authorities have carried out cleaning or disinfection of aircraft, crew and luggage, and cargo following applicable SOPs. Finally, the flight crew must not get off the plane during the arrival of the aircraft at the landing site.

"We will continue to conduct surveillance to prevent the entry of the coronavirus into Indonesia through flight activities. We are working with all relevant aviation stakeholders," he said.  

Fransisca Christy Rosana | Galuh Kurnia Ramadhani (Intern Translator)