For Immediate Release: March 19, 2020
Coos Bay, OR –

The impacts of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) are being felt across the globe.  As the State of Oregon and this community prepare for potential impacts, it is critical that as a community we remain focused on taking the best-known measures to mitigate any potential adverse consequences that may result from the COVID-19.  Perhaps two of the most significant precautionary measures that can be taken are social distancing and limited group size.  These are two areas which the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay (Port) can best aid the South Coast as well as the entire state of Oregon.  Through our interactions with various agencies and terminal operators, the Port is working to ensure that appropriate measures are initiated and maintained to address group size and distance.

The Port Authority is the best resource the community can rely on to gain a clear picture of what is happening on our waterfront during this period of uncertainty.  Vessel traffic into and out of Coos Bay will continue until otherwise ordered by the appropriate Federal, State, and Local agencies that have jurisdiction over such activities.  These agencies include: United States Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, Center for Disease Control, Oregon Health Authority, and the Port.  Currently, we are unaware of any prohibitions that have been placed on vessels coming into or out of our Port.  The US Coast Guard monitors each vessel that is coming into port, particularly those which have recently been to select countries. 

Contrary to rumors that have surfaced, ships have not been required to leave the Port due to crew members testing positive for COVID-19.  We do not know of any ship that has been denied access to the Port.  Should that situation change in the future, we will make the public aware of such actions.  The US Coast Guard has issued comprehensive guidance regarding COVID-19 and maritime commerce, which can be found below.

The COVID-19 situation is developing rapidly in the United States, which has left many in our community feeling concerned about its trajectory and implications in the coming months.  The Port will continue to work to ensure that the impacts are minimized for our regional economy, however our primary priority will be the safety and well-being of our community members. 

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For additional information, please contact:

Margaret Barber, Director of External Affairs
mbarber@portofcoosbay.com // 541-266-3713