Reported 28 March, 2020

South Africa

When we departed South Africa on February 19th all was still fine, but our friends reported on the 26th March as follows;

• No small vessels may leave port as of March 26th for three weeks.
• The country is in a 21-day lockdown as of midnight 26th.
• All people must self isolate at home.
• Shopping allowed early morning and late afternoon.
• Saldanha Bay Yacht Club is closed for 21 days.
  

I am guessing, but if a vessel arrives in the lockdown period, self isolation on the boat will be required.

See the latest on SA Biosecurity

St. Helena

One has to call in by radio when 24 miles out. We arrived on the evening of March 3rd. Questions about our health, where and when we departed from SA, whether we have been to an airport or in contact with Asian people before our SA departure were asked.

We were instructed to pick up a mooring and stay on board for the night. The next morning we were allowed on land and went through the usual check-in procedure. No health checks were performed.

See the latest on St. Helena Biosecurity

Brazil

We arrived Salvador, Brazil on 24th March. Bahia Marina waved us away, then Terminal Nautico at the fort allowed us in. Marina manager Dominique contacted Health Dept. to get approval. Formalities were done online by Dominique; the staff here are very helpful.

We are quarantined on the boat for 14 days and fellow cruisers and the Marina are helping with basic food supplies. After quarantine we will be allowed outside the Marina and other ports in Brazil with no additional quarantine.

Although we are quarantined on the boat, we are allowed to use the Marina facilities, i.e. ablutions, WiFi, trash in special Health Dept. provided “toxic waste” bags, electricity, etc.
We must wear face masks when off the boat.

Fellow cruisers who have been in Brazil for three months and are not under quarantine, went to Walmart yesterday and bought us groceries. They say the shelves are well stocked. Prices are less than the USA.

See the latest on Brazil Biosecurity

Carl Lubbe
SV Daring

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• More COVID-19 Field Reports
•  COVID-19 Coronavirus: Special Procedures Being Introduced in Ports of Entry Worldwide

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The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the view of Noonsite.com or World Cruising Club.