The concept of quarantine has always been associated with shipping. The practice began in the 14th century to protect coastal cities from plague epidemics. Ships arriving in Venice from infected ports were required to sit at anchor for 40 days before landing. This practice, called quarantine, was derived from the Italian words quarantagiorni, meaning 40 days.

The practice continued through the years, as protection against yellow fever, cholera, severe acute respiratory syndrome, viral hemorrhagic fevers and other communicable diseases.