The Port of Houston’s Bayport and Barbours Cut Terminals will reopen after a member of International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) who had worked there tested positive for COVID-19, or coronavirus.
In a statement, the port said it had conducted a thorough investigation with the ILA to indicate exposure to other workers, during which operations at both terminals where the person in question had worked were suspended.
The worker is currently quarantined in hospital. In a statement, the port said: “Following CDC guidelines, all those that he has been in direct contact with during the 2 days worked at Port Houston facilities are in self-quarantine.
“Additionally, those who maintained social distancing from the worker, and have low risk, have been advised. We have taken prudent steps to ensure we resume operations responsibly and safely.
“We will be resuming vessel operations this evening at 1900 at both container terminals and will reopen both container terminals for normal business tomorrow morning.
“Port Houston is continuing to monitor the situation and will provide updates as warranted if this situation changes.”
COVID-19 has caused widespread congestion at many of the world’s most important ports and gateways for trade.
