The Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA) has been taking precautionary measures recommended by the Public Health Agency of Canada to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. We know that taking action now is critical to ensuring a lesser impact on our staff, the businesses operating at our ports, and the ripple effects on our local and regional economies as we meet this challenge together.
The 2020 marine shipping season is still set to open in a matter of weeks in Hamilton and Oshawa, and our ports will continue with as much normalcy as possible to move goods via marine, road and rail during this crisis.
Many HOPA staff are working remotely to reduce social interaction, while maintaining business continuity for our tenants and customers. However, critical functions such as maintenance, port security and vessel traffic management will not be impacted. While following public health measures and guidance of Transport Canada, we are committed to keeping our supply chains open, and providing quality service to our customers.
Our Harbour Master continues to engage with marine authorities and shipping lines about new protocols and extra precautions for marine transportation. Some of these precautions include reporting to Transport Canada upon entering Canadian waters and communicating with the Public Health Agency of Canada if symptoms are detected by personnel aboard a vessel.
We have no doubt taking precautions now will enable a stronger and swifter recovery at home and around the world.
