Preventative Precautions for COVID-19 (Coronavirus) at the Port of Cleveland

Cleveland, OH – As the Port of Cleveland continues to prepare for the upcoming navigation season, the Port is also implementing proactive precautions that align with preventative guidelines established by the State of Ohio for COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus).

On March 9, Governor DeWine signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency in Ohio to allow state departments and agencies to better coordinate in their response. As such, the Port of Cleveland encourages all stakeholders involved in commercial shipping to make themselves aware of the health and safety protocols established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Ohio Department of Health, and the Cleveland Department of Health.

Commercial Shipping

The 2020 Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway navigation season begins on April 1 for international vessel traffic upon the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway. However, the first vessel is not scheduled to call on the Port of Cleveland until approximately the second week of April. This provides ample time for the Port to prepare and implement adequate preventative precautions in accordance to local, state and federal regulations.

Vessel agents, in conjunction with protocols established by the United States Coast Guard, will maintain constant communication with all ships calling on the Port to monitor the health and wellness of its crew. These protocols are in place to protect the health and wellness of Port employees, tenants, labor, and other stakeholders of the Port, as well as the local and regional community.