Freeport

·     <span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">The port of Houston (public and private terminals) are operating normally.

·     <span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">March 25: Sector Houston-Galveston announced that due to COVID-19, all facilities are authorized for visual inspection of TWIC cards. During this temporary exemption there is no need to physically handle the TWIC card or use TWIC readers. Contact (281) 464-4767 for any questions.

·     <span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">Port Houston published an incident report outlining the actions they took to respond to the COVID-19 risk last week.

·     <span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">The Houston Pilots moved 33 arrivals, 22 departures, and 2 shifts yesterday. This is near average.

·     <span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">For today, they have already completed 3 arrivals and 1 departures. They have boarded 6 arrivals and 5 departures, and there are 12 arrivals, 7 departures, and 1 shift in the queue.

·     <span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">March 25: Coast Guard Sector Houston Galveston issued a Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) to address maritime operations during a stay-at-home order. Key points:

·     <span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">Employers are encouraged to provide a letter to their essential employees reflecting the intents from Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the MSIB.

·     <span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">Facilities are not permitted to impede the embarkation/disembarkation of crew members.

·     <span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">If a situation arises where a facility is unable to comply, contact Facilities Inspection Division for further guidance.

·     <span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">Facilities are asked to report any changes to operations due to COVID-19 to Sector Houston-Galveston.

·     <span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">Based on the MSIB, Port Bureau has updated the template critical infrastructure worker access letter for your company to customize and provide a printed copy on your company letterhead to your employees. Click here to download.

·     Port of Brownsville<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"> is currently operating under the existing communications protocol dealing with its overall comprehensive emergency plan. The port will have a special board meeting of the Brownsville Navigation District on March 27 to discuss postponing commissioner elections until November. Read the agenda for more details.

·     Port Freeport<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"> is maintaining regular services levels and normal terminal operations. All terminals along the Freeport Harbor Channel are operational and conducting vessel operations. Information regarding any changes to operations at Port Freeport will be distributed via the Port’s website (www.portfreeport.com/about/covid19), the Port’s emergency notification system and other means as needed.

·     Galveston Wharves at the Port of Galveston<span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333"> remains open and continues to move cargo at its terminals. Currently, all terminals are open and operating with the exception of the two cruise terminals. Four of the five cruise ships that homeport in Galveston are docked at the two cruise terminals and sailing periodically with only crew members onboard while daily maintenance is being performed.

·     Other Texas cities/counties with stay-at-home orders (Click2Houston)

·     Dept. of Labor: Unemployment claims last week hit 3.3 million – 4 times the previous record in 1982.

·     <span-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333">Congress continues to work on a $2 trillion stimulus, with the intent for President Trump to sign on Friday.

·     Greater Houston Port Bureau

·     US Coast Guard

·     US Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston

·     Department of Homeland Security

·     Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

·     Harris County Public Health

·     Houston Emergency Operations Center

·     Lone Star Harbor Safety Committee

·     Small Business Administration

·     U.S. Government/White House

·     State of Texas

·     FEMA Rumor Control