SAN PEDRO, Calif. — March 26, 2020 —
Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka today hosted a remote video conference news briefing to share information about operations at our nation’s busiest container port amid the COVID-19 public health crisis. During the briefing, he addressed terminal operations, workforce health and safety, cargo volumes and movement of essential commodities and supplies.
“Our top priority is maintaining a safe and healthy working environment throughout the entire port complex, while keeping consumer goods and critical materials and supplies flowing throughout the entire nation, said Executive Director Gene Seroka. “We are committed to keeping the supply chain running through this crisis.”
Seroka also discussed how the Port is preparing for the arrival of the
USNS Mercy
, a 1,000-bed Naval hospital ship that will provide medical treatment to non-COVID-19 patients.
“We consider it an honor and privilege to host the Mercy,” he said.
The Port of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Port Police are working closely with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marines, Los Angeles Police Department and other allied agencies to ensure the ship is safely secured so the medical crew onboard can provide vital medical care and support. The USNS Mercy is expected to arrive Friday, March 27.
The Port of Los Angeles
is America’s premier port and has a strong commitment to developing innovative, strategic and sustainable operations that benefit Southern California’s economy and quality of life. North America’s leading seaport by container volume and cargo value, the Port of Los Angeles facilitated $276 billion in trade during 2019. San Pedro Bay port complex operations and commerce facilitate one in nine jobs in the five-county Southern California region
.
