ANTAQ publishes Resolution with restrictive measures on the transport of passengers in inland waterways

The National Waterways Transportation Agency – ANTAQ published today (2 April) Resolution 7,653 of 31 March 2020, which provides for revised and additional restrictive measures in the carriage of passengers within the inland waterways to tackle the advance of the COVID-19 outbreak in Brazil.  The new regulation generally mirrors the guidelines and recommendations for ports and ships released by ANVISA in the last few days.

Among other requirements, ANTAQ Resolution 7,653/2020 restricts:

– Boarding of crewmembers or passengers with symptoms of COVID-19
– Disembark of foreign nationals and non-residents at any port or point of entry (except for emergency medical assistance)
– Recreational events and gatherings, public or private, onboard vessels or in the ports or port facilities
– Carriers, port authorities and operators must enforce a minimum distancing of two metres and make appropriate arrangements in the accommodation to ensure adhesion of passengers

Also, the carrier must observe the following measures:

– Comply with and ensure compliance with relevant ANVISA recommendations
– Limit occupancy to 50% of certified capacity
– Spare at least two cabins to isolate passengers who develop symptoms of COVID-19 while travelling
– Replace self-service buffet-style food service with à la carte service, portions or lunchboxes, ideally in disposable materials
– Keep cleaning and sanitising products available for regular cleaning of circulation areas and the use of crewmembers, passengers and workers
– Crew and passenger lists (where required) must be accurately issued with the identity of the passengers and the place of boarding and disembark (for epidemiologic investigation, if necessary)
– Crew and passengers must be made aware of the precautions to be taken to avoid contagion
– Follow ANVISA guidelines in the event of a suspected COVID-19 case on board

The Resolution prohibits any restriction on the movement of cargo or circulation of workers essential to public services, or critical activities.

Around ten million passengers are transported on the inland waterways every year, the vast majority in the Amazon region, North of Brazil, where rivers are the primary means of transport and crucial for the mobility and supply of the riverside communities. Latest data from the Ministry of Health for the North region displays 377 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with five deaths (5% of the country), mainly in the state of Amazonas which capital, Manaus, is the most populous city in the region and main entry point into the Upper Amazon.

Read more about other health measures in Brazilian ports and airports.