Dear Valued Customers,
Due to the widespread Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic, QUALITAIR&SEA is working with its partners and closely monitoring the authorities' information to offer you immediate solutions in case of urgent need.
For further information, please contact your usual representative at QUALITAIR&SEA.
Thank you for your confidence.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
March 27, 2020
French PM extends coronavirus lockdown until April 15, 2020:
Edouard Philippe, French Prime Minister, specifies that the confinement may be extended if the situation requires it.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
March 25, 2020
Nota Bene: the health protection measures taken by the government do not concern goods.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
March 18, 2020
Extract from the guidelines for border management measures to protect public health and ensure the availability of essential goods and services:
Goods delivery:
- The Member States must preserve the free movement of all goods. In particular, they must guarantee the supply chain of essential products such as medicines, medical equipment, perishable and essential foodstuffs as well as livestock.
- No restrictions should be placed on the movement of goods within the single market, in particular (but not only) with regard to basic necessities, sanitary goods, and perishable goods, in particular foodstuffs, except in duly justified cases.
- The Member States must assign priority lanes for the transport of goods (for example 'reserved lanes') and consider lifting any weekend traffic bans. Additional certification of goods should not be imposed legally circulating on the EU single market.
- It should be noted that, according to the European Food Safety Authority, there is no evidence that food is a source or a route of transmission of COVID-19 (1).
- Transport workers, especially (but not exclusively) those who deliver essential goods, must be able to cross borders as much as necessary, and their security must in no case be jeopardized the Member States must ensure a constant supply to meet social needs, in order to '' avoid panic purchases and the risk of dangerous crowds in stores, which will require a proactive commitment from the entire supply chain Specific transport nodes (ports, airports, logistics platforms, etc.) should be reinforced if necessary.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
March 17, 2020
France imposes lockdown as EU calls for 30-day travel ban:
QUALITAIR&SEA is complying with the French Government's directives and is adapting its work set-up both to protect its employees in an approach that is in the general interest.
In the event of more substantial disruptions, we will adjust our operational set-up. We will, of course, keep you informed of any developments in the situation.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
March 12, 2020
USA–EU: Travel ban for 30 days
Due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus disease, described now as a pandemic by WHO, US President Donald Trump takes new measures to halt the spread of the COVID-19 disease in the country:
- Donald Trump announced on 11 March 2020, the closure of the US borders, for thirty days, to travelers from European countries of the Schengen area.
- This restriction does not apply to the United Kingdom
- This new rule will come into force on Friday at midnight on Washington time (5am Saturday GMT)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
March 05, 2020
Our preventive and protective measures against the new coronavirus:
COVID-19 is still affecting mostly people in China with some outbreaks in other countries.
Due to the widespread COVID-19 epidemic, be assured that QUALITAIR&SEA is closely monitoring the evolution of the Coronavirus situation and following the Public Health authority and the World Health Organisation advice.
Our Health and Safety guidelines:
As part of our Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR) approach implemented in 2013, please find our Health and Safety guidelines to prevent our workplace exposure, as well as maintaining our best level of service:
- A Coronavirus dedicated group to implement adapted actions without delay has been set-up
- Health and Safety guidelines from the World Health Organisation and Preventive checks in our offices have been carried out
- QUALITAIR&SEA is regularly updating staff on the situation and on Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited areas where COVID-19 is spreading
- Posters on necessary precautions to take are placed in our work areas
- A Business Continuity Plans on remote operations management has been set-up including the establishment, depending on the level of urgency, of alternating teams
- Postponement of travels in affected areas
- Reduction of meetings and business trips
Our priority is to guarantee the Health and Safety of our employees and to limit the impact on our customer's Supply Chain.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
February 25, 2020
Lack of space on board ships and freight rates:
- Quarantine procedures imposed in China due to the Coronavirus epidemic (COVID-19) continue to impact both import and export shipments.
- Due to the “blank sailing” (cancellation of stopovers) recorded on import in February in Asia, an impact on sea freight capacities has already been announced for the coming weeks from Europe
- On Asia and the Middle East's trade, shipping companies are sending us their departure schedules daily, including the available spaces on the next ships. Unfortunately, the lack of space is confirmed, and some companies no longer accept bookings for the moment.
- At the same time, the companies are announcing significant PSS ("Peak Season Surcharge") and/or GRI ("General Rate Increase").
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Update February 02, 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease:
In December 2019, authorities in the province of Wuhan (Hubei) announced a cluster of cases of pneumonia associated with the Huanan Seafood Market. Initially called 2019-nCoV, the virus was renamed SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2), and its disease COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019).
Chinese holiday extensions:
- The Chinese government has announced that all of the offices are not expected to resume work until February 10, 2020, and the province of Wuhan (Hubei) on February 17, 2020.
- The situation is constantly changing and varies from region to region in China. Some of our agents have already made their arrangements and their staff can be reached, and go to customs when necessary.
- We inform you that there may be delays, additional costs and alternative solutions due to the limited capacity of the airlines.
Suspension of sea freight:
- Many carriers are announcing new blank sailing during this period.
- Due to the decline in ships and airlines willing to travel between China and Europe, the trend in freight prices is increasing.
Freight operations suspended at Wuhan port:
Until further notice due to local quarantine restrictions.
Suspension of air carrier routes:
A number of airlines have temporarily restricted or canceled flights due to a lack of passengers to and from China, with serious consequences for various supply chains that include air cargo:
- Air France-KLM: Extends the suspension of its flights to China until March 15, 2020 (the resumption of Air France flights from/to Wuhan is also scheduled for March 29, 2020).
- Cathay Pacific: 50% of flights to/from and within China have been canceled until further notice.
- Air Bridge: Flights to/from other destinations, including Chengdu, Chongqing, and other cities, have been canceled.
- Air China: All passenger flights to/from China are suspended until March 28. The next freight service from Dallas to Beijing is tentatively scheduled for February 10 (pending space requests).
