Western Port Ferries is monitoring the ongoing situation and working closely with the relevant authorities.

Safety of our customers and colleagues is our top priority and we are following all the advice and guidance issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Australia’s Department of Health. We are emphasizing the importance of frequent hand washing and good personal hygiene.

Our Operations Team is assessing the likely impact of COVID-19 on our services.

The official advice highlights that the most effective way to avoid contracting the virus is to wash your hands with soap and hot water. Western Port Ferries is therefore reminding customers and staff of the importance of hygiene such as frequent hand washing through notices in bathrooms. We have increased the number of hand sanitizers on our ferries.

For further detail please visit  https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert .

The Government is not advising transport companies to screen customers as it is not an accurate way of detecting people with the illness.

Staff clean and sanitize the ferries after every sailing, including the wiping down of surfaces.  The ships also undergo secondary cleaning and sanitizing overnight.

As we carry around 80,000 people annually, it is impractical to ask everyone where they have recently travelled.

DFAT are are advising people who have travelled to countries such as China and northern Italy where there have been a considerable number of cases to monitor your health for 14 days after leaving that country. If you develop a fever or cough, seek medical advice urgently and isolate yourself. For more information visit - https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert#travellers-and-visitors .

See the Department of Health website for more information about Coronavirus and advice for travellers  https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert

You can call the Coronavirus information line on 1800 022 222 and you can email info@westernportferries.com.au to ask us any questions related to ferry travel.