PORT OF HUENEME BRIEFING FOR CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

March 26, 2020

Office Hours

July 6, 2021 – Port’s Administrative Office hours are now 8:00am-5:00pm

Useful Resources and Links

July 6, 2021 – Stay updated on guidelines, regulations and restrictions in regards to COVID-19 in our area.

COVID-19: Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), Policy, and Ordinances – Oxnard Harbor District

February 12, 2021 – In February 2020, the Oxnard Harbor District released COVID-19 Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) – Oxnard Harbor District.

In March 2020, the Oxnard Harbor District Board approved ORDINANCE NO. 241 – AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF HARBOR COMMISSIONERS OF THE OXNARD HARBOR DISTRICT PROCLAIMING A LOCAL EMERGENCY REGARDING NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

In March 2020, the Oxnard Harbor District Board approved Policy #411 – Gatherings of Ten (10) or More People and Symptomatic Individuals on Port Property During COVID-19 Crisis and Policy #412 – Notification of Positive COVID-19 Exam.

CDC – New Orders for Transportation Workers

February 1, 2021 – On January 29, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a new order requiring masks to be worn by ALL entering or on the premises of a “transportation hub.” This includes seaports and marinas.

“Operators of transportation hubs must require all persons wear a mask when entering or on the premises of a transportation hub. A ‘transportation hub’ means any airport, bus terminal, marina, seaport, or other port, subway station, terminal, train station, U.S. port of entry, or any other location that provides transportation.” READ MORE

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued an emergency amendment and three security directives in support of the CDC Order. SD 1582/84-21-01 pertains directly to owners and operators of ground transport. The other three pertain to the aviation industry. READ MORE

COVID-19 Pop-Up Testing Site

Monday, January 18, 2021 | 9:00AM-3:30PM

Useful Resources and Links

Stay updated on testing sites, guidelines, regulations and restrictions in regards to COVID-19 in our area.

Ventura County Public Health Orders

October 7, 2020 – Effective October 6, 2020, Ventura County went from Purple to Red COVID Tier, loosening some restrictions for many local businesses and services.

“The County of Ventura has been placed in Tier 2 of the State’s health order system, which allows specified businesses to reopen for indoor operations, provided they comply with strict safety protocols set out in the State’s health orders. The County Health Officer has determined that the current public health data and status of COVID-19 in the County reasonably support the opening of businesses as allowed under the State’s health order.”

  • CLICK HERE to view PDF of  VC Public Health Orders and more details about affected businesses. 

Ventura County Health Care Agency – Expanded COVID-19 Testing

September 24, 2020 – Community transmission of COVID-19 continues to occur in Ventura County. Testing for COVID-19 has expanded to multiple locations throughout the County. Any Ventura County resident who meets the following criteria may schedule an appointment for testing by calling a State Location, at 1-888-634-1123, or County’s Ambulatory Urgent Care-sponsored testing site hotline, at 805-652-7660.

CRITERIA FOR TESTING – To be eligible for testing you must meet one of the two following criteria:

  1. Symptomatic for COVID-19: any person with cough or shortness of breath OR two of the following symptoms: fever greater than 100.4F, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, diarrhea, new loss of taste or smell.
  2. Asymptomatic close contacts of a lab-confirmed COVID-19 case.

Visit the Ventura County Health Care Agency website for more information about symptoms, testing and location centers.

Coast Guard – Guidance on Marine Event Permit Procedures

August 19, 2020 – On August 14, 2020, Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach released a bulletin in light of recent cases of untimely marine event permit submissions that required Coast Guard review. “Guidance on Marine Event Permit Procedures” includes information about applicability, timeline, and submission for Marine Event Permits. Noncompliance with the marine event permitting requirements may result in cancellation of events and/or enforcement actions against responsible parties.

CLICK HERE to view/download PDF: “Guidance on Marine Event Permit Procedures”

Important Information About TWIC Cards

August 5, 2020 – Important Information Regarding Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC®) Cards
The 180-day TWIC expiration extension window passed on July 31 and the deadline was NOT extended further by the TSA. Expired TWIC cards will be denied at the Port gates (unless accompanied with a receipt of TWIC approval.)

To renew or apply for a TWIC card, please visit: https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic

If you have questions, contact Port Operations Manager Mike Morrison.

CDC – Interim Guidance for Ships

August 5, 2020 – On July 20, 2020, CDC’s Interim Guidance for Ships was updated to provide the following: specific guidance for ships when one or more suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 is identified; clarified disembarkation recommendations for ships after one or more suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 is identified; and supplemental guidance on cleaning and disinfection.

Under “Reporting,” please note: “CDC requires that ships destined for a U.S. port of entry immediately report any death on board or illness that meets CDC’s definition of “ill person,” including confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19, to the CDC Quarantine Station with jurisdiction for the port.” Link

Useful Resources and Links

July 29 – Stay updated on guidelines, regulations and restrictions in regards to COVID-19 in our area.

CLICK HERE to view PDF updated Port COVID-19 Safety Flyer

CA Public Health – Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings

June 18, 2020 – California Department of Public Health issued updates on guidance for the use of cloth face coverings by the general public when outside the home. It mandates that face coverings be worn state-wide in high-risk situations (with specified exemptions) in their updated document.

CLICK HERE to view PDF of Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings from California Department of Public Health (Updated June 18, 2020)

VC Emergency Alerts – Fire

June 10, 2020 – For the latest information on local fires, access the Ventura County Fire page. You can also sign up for VC Emergency Alerts by texting VCALERT to 313131.

Marine Safety Information Bulletin – On-Water Mass Gatherings

June 9, 2020 – Marine Safety Information Bulletin: On-Water Mass Gatherings – Recreational, Sporting, or Cause-Related Events (Updated June 3, 2020) – As these types of marine events continue to grow in popularity throughout the country, the Coast Guard will work together with its port partners to ensure the safety on the marine transportation system. These actions will take into account health and safety factors including but not limited to local COVID-19 and social distance guidelines as well as current unrest.

CLICK HERE to view PDF of Marine Safety Information Bulletin – On-Water Mass Gatherings (Updated June 3, 2020)

Ventura County Public Health’s Local Order – Update

June 9, 2020 – On May 29, the Public Health Care Officer released the Health Care Order for Control of COVID-19 Within the County of Ventura with guidelines for admittance to long-term care facilities, hospitals, and places of worship, guidelines for businesses to establish, implement and enforce COVID-19 prevention, and a non-exclusive list of activities outside of a person’s place of residence that the County Health Officer has deemed to be allowed. Order effective through June 14.

CLICK HERE to view PDF of the Order of the Ventura County Health Officer Supplementing the State Public Health Officer’s Order – Amended May 29, 2020

VC Public Health’s Local Order Update – Safely Reopening Ventura County

May 21, 2020 – On May 20, the Public Health Officer announced a new modified Stay Well VC Health Order to align with the State of California’s four-stage framework for reopening. The County of Ventura received approval from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to move forward on an accelerated Stage 2 path to reopening.

Businesses should review information on reopening HERE and follow instructions on reviewing the guidance published by the State of California, completing a risk assessment of their businesses, completing an attestation form and other pertinent forms.

CLICK HERE to review and follow instructions for Safely Reopening Ventura County – Business Registration

CLICK HERE to view PDF of the Order of the Ventura County Health Officer Supplementing the State Public Health Officer’s Order – Amended May 20, 2020

CLICK HERE to read County press release

Ventura County Public Health’s Local Order – Update

May 8, 2020 – On May 7, the Public Health Officer announced a new modified Stay Well VC Health Order to align with the State of California’s four-stage framework for reopening. The County will move forward with the State’s Stage 2 of reopening lower-risk businesses on May 8, 2020. This will allow retail businesses, such as clothing stores, bookstores, sporting goods stores and florists, for example, to reopen with curb side delivery, as well as the related manufacturing and supply chain businesses.

CLICK HERE to view PDF of Ventura County Public Health’s Local Order to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 – Updated April 20, 2020

CLICK HERE to read County press release

CLICK HERE to read CA.gov’s Resilience Roadmap, with more information about Stage 2 and lower-risk businesses

Reminder: Safety Guidelines

May 8, 2020 – Please be reminded to take precautions and follow guidelines on keeping yourself and others safe by preventing the spread of respiratory illness.

CLICK HERE to download flyer on guidelines on preventing the spread of respiratory illness

CDC – Latest Updates

April 29, 2020 – Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has posted new information to their COVID-19 website, including an updated COVID-19 symptom list, and more.

CLICK HERE to access CDC’s COVID-19 website

Marine Safety Information Bulletin, Novel Coronavirus – Update

April 29, 2020 – Marine Safety Information Bulletin, Novel Coronavirus – Update (Change 4): Vessel Reporting Requirements, Vessel Control Actions (Non-passenger Commercial Vessels and Passenger Vessels) and Onboard Precautions for COVID-19 (Updated April 23, 2020)

CLICK HERE to view PDF of Marine Safety Information Bulletin, Novel Coronavirus – Update (Change 4) – Updated April 23, 2020

Ventura County Public Health’s Local Order – Update

April 20, 2020 – County of Ventura Public Health Officer, Doctor Robert Levin, has announced the extension and modification of the Stay Well At Home Order. The Order is in effect as of April 18 at 11:59 pm and shall be in effect until 11:59 pm on May 15, 2020.

The modified Order allows exceptions for limited business operations allowing nonpublic serving businesses to operate using no more than 10 employees, allows for gatherings of up to 5 people, modifies some essential businesses, allows for gatherings in motor vehicles, reopens golf courses and other forms of recreation with appropriate restrictions, allows bike shops to open and permits in-person sale of vehicles.

CLICK HERE to view PDF of Ventura County Public Health’s Local Order to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 – Updated April 20, 2020

CLICK HERE to read County press release

CLICK HERE to view PDF of list of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers (updated March 22, 2020)

Exemption to Extend the Expiration Date of TWIC

April 14, 2020 – Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued Exemption to Extend the Expiration Date of Certain Transportation Worker Identification Credentials on April 10, 2020. With this notice, TSA is granting a temporary exemption from requirements in 49 CFR part 1572 regarding the expiration of certain Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWIC®s). For TWICs expiring between March 1, 2020, and July 31, 2020, the exemption extends the validity of a TWIC for 180 days for an individual whose TWIC would otherwise expire during the effective period of the exemption, which remains in effect through July 31, 2020. TSA may extend this exemption at a future date depending on the status of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) National Emergency.

Click to view PDF of TSA Notice – COVID-19 TWIC Exemption 20200410

Click to view PDF of TWIC Exemption Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Notice to Mariners with International Voyages

April 14, 2020 – US State Department of Passport Services issued Notices to Mariners with International Voyages on April 13, 2020.

“Due to public health measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, effective March 20, 2020, we are only able to offer service for customers with a qualified life-or-death emergency and who need a passport for international travel within 72 hours (3 business days). Passport Services will also serve mariners who urgently need a passport for international voyages, and whose current valid passport expires in 13 months or less.”

Click to view PDF of Notice to Mariners with International Voyages (includes Instructions for Urgent Assistance)

Social Distancing Protocol – Mandatory Form for Businesses

April 10, 2020 – Businesses must implement all applicable measures listed below, and be prepared to explain why any measure that is not implemented is inapplicable to the business.

  • Signage at each public entrance of the facility to inform all employees and customers that they should: avoid entering the facility if they have a cough or fever; maintain a minimum six-foot distance from one another; sneeze and cough into a cloth or tissue or, if not available, into one’s elbow; and not shake hands or engage in any unnecessary physical contact.
  • Signage posting a copy of the Social Distancing Protocol at each public entrance to the facility. DOWNLOAD FORM TO FILL OUT HERE

Click to view PDF of Order Prohibiting All Gatherings, Adding to the List of Essential Businesses, and Requiring Implementation of Social Distancing Protocols – Order of the Ventura County Health Officer, April 9, 2020

Click to download and fill out PDF Mandatory Form for Businesses – Social Distancing Protocol

Click to view PDF of New Release: “Public Health Officer Issues New Stay Well At Home Order Protecting Seniors in Long-Term Care Facilities, Placing Further Limitations on Gatherings, Adding to the List of Essential Businesses and Enacting Social Distancing Protocols” – Ventura County Health, April 9, 2020

Hours for Administrative Office Building

April 7, 2020 – Starting today, April 7, the office hours for the Port’s Administrative Offices at 333 Ponoma Street will be:

10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Monday-Friday

Please call 805-488-3677 if you need additional information or assistance.

Policy #412 – Notification of Positive COVID-19 Exam

April 7, 2020 – POLICY: In order to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Port Director requires that any individual who was recently on Port property and tests or tested positive for COVID-19 immediately notify the Port Director/Director of Emergency Services.

Click to view PDF of Policy #412.

Statement from Kristin Decas, CEO & Director, Port of Hueneme

March 26, 2020 – Click to view PDF of Kristin Decas’ statement, or read below.

Kristin Decas, Port of HuenemeThere is no doubt, we are in uncharted waters. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many of our families and friends in the United States and globally. The Port of Hueneme appreciates the leadership of local agencies and government partners’ leadership who are tirelessly working to reduce the health impacts of the Coronavirus COVID-19 on our community and our nation. The Port is an economic backbone that provides for our local, regional and national economy; in times like these we are heartened by the efforts of all Port workers partners: our longshoremen, truckers, drivers, stevedores, terminal operators, forwarders, captains, vessel crews, warehouse workers, and all individuals that are serving in the global supply chain – a big “thank you” for your tireless work to keep these critical operations uninterrupted. Your efforts create the positive impact that drives local, state, and national prosperity and keep us healthy. In a time of instability, we want to assure you that we are doing everything we can to protect the health of our employees and partners and to continue to supply you with the goods you need during this challenging global situation. The Port of Hueneme is strong and quick to adapt and we are keeping abreast of the developing situation.

Keep safe, continue to be well, we will get through this together.

Ventura County Public Health’s Local Order

March 20, 2020 – Stay Well at Home – Ventura County Public Health Officer issues local order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, in effect Friday, March 20, 11:59 pm. UPDATE: See April 20

CLICK HERE to see a video message from Ventura County Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Levin

Per the order, certain essential activities will remain open, including many City and County government services; specifically “Airport and Port operations.”

CLICK HERE for more about the County Order, read FAQs and get other Ventura County information

CLICK HERE to read Ventura County Public Health’s Local Order to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19

Governor’s Executive Order – Port is Open for Business

March 20, 2020 – Governor Gavin Newsom issued a stay at home order to protect the health and well-being of all Californians and to establish consistency across the state in order to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Port of Hueneme is part of the Critical US Transportation Infrastructure Sector and therefore remains open for business in order to keep food moving and essential supply chains intact at this critical time of need.

The DHS Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response has identified critical infrastructure workers in several sectors, including Transportation and Logistics. Specifically, the following are mentioned: “Maritime transportation workers – port workers, mariners, equipment operators.” (see page 8 of this document)

The Port of Hueneme will continue to conduct best practices and take all necessary precautions to ensure safety for Port employees, customers, and partners.

CLICK HERE to read Governor Newsom’s Executive Order

CLICK HERE to read DHS Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response

New Port Policy #411 – Gatherings on Port Property & COVID-19 symptoms

March 19, 2020 – In an abundance of caution and the need to protect the interest of the Port community in these unusual times, the Port of Hueneme adopted a new policy today which reduces, regulates or prohibits as needed, gatherings for events or meetings of ten (10) or more people during the COVID-19 crisis; no person exhibiting any of the symptoms of COVID-19, including but not limited to a fever, may enter or remain upon Port property. Social distancing of 6 feet is recommended. The action was taken to help to prevent the spread of the virus.

CLICK HERE to read OHD Policy #411 on Gathering and COVID-19 Precautions

CLICK HERE to read DHS Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce

COVID-19 Precautions at the Port of Hueneme

March 17, 2020 – Today, as part of an emergency meeting and out of an abundance of caution, the Board of Harbor Commissioners of the Oxnard Harbor District proclaimed by Ordinance, a Local Emergency Regarding Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The unanimous vote to implement Ordinance 241 by the Board allows for the Port’s CEO and Port Director, or her designee, to act as the Director of Emergency Services and ensure full and proper coordination with all federal, state and local authorities charged with implementing necessary measures to protect the life, property and welfare of all residents of the District, as well as that of the customers, tenants and other users of the Port of Hueneme.

CLICK HERE to read Ordinance 241

March 16, 2020 – The Port of Hueneme is open and operating as normal today. The terminal is cooperating with The U.S. Coast Guard as well as with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and we are taking all necessary precautions during this time.

Our Port offices are open with limited staffing; however, we are not accepting Port visitors, tours, or events at this time.

We will continue updating you throughout the week with any further changes.

There is no disruption to Port customers at this time. For information concerning specific Port of Hueneme operation or about changes in operations, please contact the stevedore or terminal operator directly.

For terminal schedule information, please visit: www.portofhueneme.org/vesselschedule

Business at the Port

The Port has activated its Communicable Disease Continuity of Operations Plan which includes social distancing for all employees and work remote direction for employees who fall into an at-risk category according to the Center for Disease Control.

Cargo operations at the Port remain uninterrupted. The Port is continually evaluating future steps to ensure the well-being of its employees, stakeholders, and the community.

Information for public Oxnard Harbor District Board meetings will be posted on the Port’s website: www.portofhueneme.org/board-committee-meetings.

Status at the Port of Hueneme

  • The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is in continual communication with our local Customs & Border Protection and Coast Guard who are our first line of defense if any infected individuals should be in route to the Port
  • The Port of Hueneme is business as usual, continuing to move cargo 24/7
  • This program’s primary intent is to protect the community and limit/mitigate potential spread of this disease within the United States
  • All our vessels follow mandatory reporting guidelines requiring them to report crew illness of any kind a minimum of 96 hours prior to arrival at Port
  • To date, there have been no reported cases of infected individuals arriving at any U.S. seaports, including the Port of Hueneme
  • No staff of The Port of Hueneme nor partners have been quarantined or diagnosed with a virus.
  • Non-essential District-related travel is banned until further notice
  • The Port’s ability to move cargo has not been impacted at all as a result of the coronavirus

Port of Hueneme Proactive Measures

  • Developed Continuity of Operations Plan/Response Plan which includes communication strategy to inform Commissioners, staff, Port stakeholders and the public of any important information.
  • Engaged and coordinated with Ventura County Emergency Medical Services, Health and Human Services and Department of Public Health for resources, and directives.
  • Coordination with USCG and Customs and Border Protection for vessel/vessel crew risk identification and mitigation.
  • Commenced proactive measures like additional soap, anti-bacterial gels and N-95 masks- N95 masks are being sought from partner agencies.
  • The CDC continues to be the lead agency. Our coordination with local/regional partners outlined from above is in accordance with CDC protocols/guidance.

Federal and State Mandates

  • Effective March 13th, the U.S. government suspended entry of foreign nationals who have visited from China or Iran in the past 14 days may not enter the U.S.
  • Travel restricts for Americans are in effect throughout Europe and Asia. For more information visit: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel.
  • State Actions: The Governor of California held a press conference on March 15th to provide an update relating to COVID 19 and what the state is doing. He announced the following:
    • State’s top focus is helping seniors, specifically those 65 and older, and the homeless.
    • Requiring seniors over 65 and vulnerable individuals to practice home isolation.
    • Expedite effort to move all homeless encampments into hotels, motels and trailers.
    • Adding an additional 450 trailers to be deployed March 16th
    • State Guidance: At this point, there won’t be enforcement, but the Governor expects Californians to honor and step up for the greater good
    • Closure of bars, night clubs, breweries, wineries, and similar establishments
    • The guidance does not apply to restaurants; however, it requires restaurants to reduce their occupancy by half and practice social distancing. The Governor also strongly encourages, but is not requiring, limiting operations to delivery and pick up only
    • Shut down all visitation to all senior centers, independent living facilities, assisted living centers, and to include hospitals now.

Marine Safety

  • An outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) may affect mariners and maritime commerce. The CDC has updated their Interim Guidance for Ships on Managing Suspected Coronavirus Disease 2019. (see https://go.usa.gov/xdfyG) and Cruise Ship Travel to Asia (see https://go.usa.gov/xdfVP).

For More Information About COVID-19

CLICK HERE to read a Marine Safety Information Bulletin from the US Coast Guard – Novel Coronavirus – Update (Change 3) – March 16, 2020

CLICK HERE to read a Marine Safety Information Bulletin from the US Coast Guard – Novel Coronavirus – Update (Change 2) – March 13, 2020

CLICK HERE to read a Marine Safety Information Bulletin from the US Coast Guard about the Coronavirus – Vessel Reporting Requirements for Illness or Death – March 13, 2020

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