Ebola restrictions in Statoil 

Statoil has recently implemented restrictions for personnel travelling to their facilities on the Norwegian continental shelf, in connection with the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. As a safety measure for all Omega personnel, we would like to make you aware of the policy, as we believe it may be of value to all team members. 

 “This information is not based on any suspicion of infection at our locations, but it is still important to make everyone aware of the measures that are being implemented by our clients,” says Omega’s HSEQ Manager, Karina Hovden Stava. 
 She emphasizes that the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) still considers the risk of outbreaks in Norway as very low. 

Information to passengers travelling to Statoil operated installations on the NCS 

Due to the unresolved situation in West Africa linked to the Ebola outbreak there, Statoil, Development & Production Norway, has decided to implement restrictions for travelling to Statoil installations on the Norwegian continental shelf. 

 The measures are not implemented due to suspicion of increased risk of spread in Norway. The reason is that there may be personnel traveling offshore who have been traveling, at work, or of private reasons, in Liberia, Guinea or Sierra Leone, within the last 21 days.

•  If personnel who have been in, or traveling through the affected area, get sick with Ebola- like symptoms the situation must be handled as if the person is infected with Ebola.
•  The same also applies to personnel who have been in contact with others who are, or are suspected to be infected with Ebola. Examples are influenza-like illness or other febrile illness. 
• This will involve the implementation of extensive and costly measures, while it may also increase anxiety among other employees on board. Personnel shall not travel offshore earlier than 21 days after leaving Liberia, Guinea, or Sierra Leone. 
• The same also applies to personnel who have been in contact with others who are, or are suspected to be infected with Ebola. If so, the responsible physician for the offshore installation shall be contacted, see attachment. 
• The responsible physician will, in consultation with infection control guard at the NIPH consider further measures. The measure lasts until further notice and changes may occur due to changes in the situation.