Friends and supporters —

We understand your inbox is filled with COVID-19 updates and information, so below is a quick statement about our efforts in combating the virus, and then lots of positive updates about our last three months in the Bahamas.

INFO ON HEALTH AND SAFETY ABOARD THE SHIP REGARDING COVID-19

The M/V Pacific Hope is STILL IN THE BAHAMAS and STILL HELPING those in need. On March 11, as the World Health Organization announced the official news of a pandemic, we also learned that most NGOs (non-governmental organizations) had left their outreach locations across the globe. On March 15, the first confirmed case of COVID-19 appeared in Nassau, and the Bahamian government reached out to us for help. We feel called to stay and do what we do best — serve with confidence and action.

For the past three weeks, we have taken every precaution and followed every recommendation from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The ship is sanitized and disinfected from top to bottom, cabin inspections occur on a daily basis, and all crew members are following WHO/CDC personal hygiene practices. Every person on-board completes a health questionnaire which is submitted to the CDC, and personal protective equipment (PPE), including N95 masks, are available for each person in case of a suspected infection. Hand sanitizer dispensers are located in every common area and hallway, and our medical personnel has procedures in place for suspected infection: CDC Maritime Quarantine Info 

Above all, the staff and crew onboard M/V Pacific Hope are serving on a voluntary basis – and we value their decision. Daily updates from the Bahamian health authority, WHO and CDC are shared regularly with the entire crew, as well as the ongoing risks involved with this pandemic.