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January 5, 2021
JAMSTEC

Staff member tested positive for COVID-19

Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) carries out PCR tests for COVID-19 to all who plan to board our research vessels. A staff member who was planning to board the Research Vessel (R/V) SHINSEI MARU from January 5, 2021 was tested positive for COVID-19 by PCR test on January 4, 2021 (The staff member works at the Yokosuka Headquarters). Currently, the staff member has no symptoms and is staying home under the instruction from the physician and waiting for further instructions from the local health center.

In response to this situation, JAMSTEC has canceled the R/V SHINSEI MARU research cruise which was scheduled from January 5 to 12, 2021. In compliance with instructions from the local health center, cleaning and disinfection of R/V SHINSEI MARU will be carried out. JAMSTEC continues to monitor the boarding members of our R/Vs and manage the COVID-19 situation in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

From March, 2020, JAMSTEC has established specific guidelines for boarding and visiting of its R/Vs. All boarding members are requested to avoid the “Three Cs” environment (1. Closed spaces, 2. Crowded places, 3. Close-contact settings) as well as wearing masks and handwashing. Also, all boarding members are required to record their temperature and their physical conditions eighteen days prior to their boarding.

JAMSTEC will continue to ensure the safe operations of our people and our research cruises.

Contacts:

(For press release)
Public Relations Section, Marine Science and Technology Strategy Department,
JAMSTEC
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