Title: Response of a multinational shipping company to the COVID19 Pandemic, on board the vessels and ashore.

Abstract:

The response of a multinational shipping company to the COVID19 Pandemic, onboard the vessels and ashore.

A Shipping Group with approximately 3500 employees, following the COVID19 2020 Pandemic established new procedures to comply with all measures required by WHO (World Health Organization), Greek Public Authorities, and the National Organization of Public Health. Measures taken are summarized below

1.         COVID-19 Crisis Committee

A COVID-19 Crisis Committee has been formed to coordinate efforts for Business Continuity, employee health, safety, and wellbeing and to ensure that critical Corporate Functions will perform uninterruptedly.

2.         Safety, Hygiene, Wellbeing Measures

The Human Resources Department and the Fleet Medical Advisor following recommendations from the Hellenic Ministry of Labour, the Hellenic Institute for Occupational Health and Safety, take all necessary measures and provide employees with the required guidance regarding personal hygiene.

1.         Non-essential meetings have been canceled and have been replaced by teleconferences.

2.         Common spaces gym, restaurant, pool, auditorium, and training Center have been shut off.

3.         Employee wellbeing:  Pilates classes have been offered through teleconference.

4.         Hand sanitizers (more than 60% alcohol) available.

5.         N95 and simple surgical masks are provided to the building visitors. Masks and gloves are also available to all employees. No shortage throughout the pandemic.

6.         Diminished staff throughout the pandemic.30% of the employees were working in the headquarters.

7.         Regular disinfection and Cleaning rounds held more regularly.

8.         Molecular (RT-PCR) and antibody testing available.

9.         Mental Health wellbeing: Stress-related issues are rising in the COVID19 era. Group had an in-house clinical psychologist to provide mental health guidance. (Up to 250 words)

Biography:

Dr. Liakou is a Senior Consultant at LK Medical and the Fleet Medical Advisor at a multinational Shipping Group. Dr. Liakou received her MD from the University of Ioannina and her PhD from the University of Athens in Greece. She completed her internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Kentucky, and her post-doctoral fellowship in Immunology at the University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center. She is certified in psychology by the University of Aegean. She serves as a Deputy Editor to the Journal of General Internal Medicine.