GENEVA — The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has called on governments and member states to commit to the international laws of passengers and goods screening from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to prevent the outbreak of this pandemic.

ICAO also called on states and governments to coordinate between aviation and health authorities to establish national facilitation committees that involve all relevant sectors, stressing that cooperation between sectors is essential.

In addition to that, ICAO called to adhere to ICAO Annex 9 standards relevant to sustainable air freight operations and the global air cargo supply chain, and to refer to specific Annex 9 guidance and other ICAO guidance manuals concerning additional measures to be applied in a health emergency.

ICAO Secretary General Dr. Fang Liu said in a statement that “There is an urgent need to ensure the sustainability of the global air cargo supply chain and to maintain the availability of critical medications and equipment such as ventilators, masks, and other health and hygiene items which will help reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).” — SPA