With the public sector’s difficulties in supplying industry sectors with COVID-19 testing facilities, the Spanish Fishermen’s Federation CEPESCA has requested official authorisation from the Ministry of Health, allowing it to source testing equipment independently.
The Federation has written to health minister Salvador Illa, seeking an urgent response and also requesting leeway from the current transport regulations to facilitate changing crews, due to the high costs of using taxis and coaches which are currently in high demand.
CEPESCA has sought to inform the authorities that concerns for the safety of crews led to it looking for its own supplies of testing equipment to carry out testing both prior to sailing and on board in cases of possible infection on board – but has stressed that such acquisitions will not be made without official authorisation.
The Federation has pointed out to the Ministry of Health that skippers are responsible for health and safety on board, and also undergo medical training as part of obtaining their qualifications, also pointing out that that COVID-19 tests are conducted in a way similar to malaria testing, with which qualified skippers are familiar.
