(photo Canadian Coast Guard)
All personnel onboard Canadian Coast Guard vessels going to the Arctic this season will be tested for COVID-19 before deployment.
“This is a total of approximately 960 tests, including two crew changes throughout the season,” said Benoit Myrand, spokesman for the Canadian Coast Guard. “We are working with provincial health authorities and a private company to facilitate this testing.Testing is being done by nose swab and will follow all public health guidelines and standards.”
Testing has been completed for the approximately 50 crew members of the CCGS Pierre Radisson, Mr. Myrand told Maritime Magazine. “All tests were negative. The vessel departed for the Arctic from the Port of Quebec on June 19.”
Testing has also been completed for the approximately 25 crew members of the CCGS Terry Fox. All tests were negative. The vessel departed for the Arctic from St. John’s on June 22.
“This testing is an additional layer of protection to the measures we have implemented to protect crew members and northern residents, which include body temperature screening, health questionnaires and strict cleaning protocols for Coast Guard vessels,” Mr. Myrand said.
