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Airports Reel as New Coronavirus Screening Goes into Effect Airports Reel as New Coronavirus Screening Goes into Effect
(7 days later)
ATLANTA — After a night of chaos at some of the nation’s busiest airports on Saturday, officials scrambled on Sunday, with some apparent success, to reduce lines that had left people jammed together for hours as they waited for new health screenings mandated for travelers from Europe in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.ATLANTA — After a night of chaos at some of the nation’s busiest airports on Saturday, officials scrambled on Sunday, with some apparent success, to reduce lines that had left people jammed together for hours as they waited for new health screenings mandated for travelers from Europe in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.
At around 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, roughly 20 minutes after their plane from Paris landed in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Joan Policastro and Tor Smitt were wheeling their bags to an airport shuttle. Their screening experience had gone very quickly, they said.At around 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, roughly 20 minutes after their plane from Paris landed in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Joan Policastro and Tor Smitt were wheeling their bags to an airport shuttle. Their screening experience had gone very quickly, they said.
Ms. Policastro, a retired flight attendant, said that some people on the flight had their temperatures taken, with a device held to their foreheads, but it seemed to be a random selection.Ms. Policastro, a retired flight attendant, said that some people on the flight had their temperatures taken, with a device held to their foreheads, but it seemed to be a random selection.
“They just told us, you know, to stay quarantined in our homes for 14 days and they gave us some papers to look at, to read up on what we’re supposed to do,” she said. “When we deplaned they randomly took temperatures of passengers.”“They just told us, you know, to stay quarantined in our homes for 14 days and they gave us some papers to look at, to read up on what we’re supposed to do,” she said. “When we deplaned they randomly took temperatures of passengers.”
At O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, officials braced themselves for another long night as a result of the new rules created because of pandemic. But travelers landing from Europe on Sunday said they had experienced wait times of between 30 and 90 minutes.At O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, officials braced themselves for another long night as a result of the new rules created because of pandemic. But travelers landing from Europe on Sunday said they had experienced wait times of between 30 and 90 minutes.
“This wasn’t bad at all,” Pam Lucatorto of Elgin, Ill., said of the time it took her son, a junior at Indiana University, to get through the line at the airport after his study abroad program in France had been cut short.“This wasn’t bad at all,” Pam Lucatorto of Elgin, Ill., said of the time it took her son, a junior at Indiana University, to get through the line at the airport after his study abroad program in France had been cut short.
Gov. Jay Pritzker of Illinois said the Trump administration had promised him it would double the number of federal staff members at the airport.Gov. Jay Pritzker of Illinois said the Trump administration had promised him it would double the number of federal staff members at the airport.
Wait times as long as seven hours at O’Hare on Saturday night came in the wake of a new policy toward travelers returning from European countries, who went essentially from zero screening on Friday to “enhanced screening.”Wait times as long as seven hours at O’Hare on Saturday night came in the wake of a new policy toward travelers returning from European countries, who went essentially from zero screening on Friday to “enhanced screening.”
John Cohen, a former acting under secretary for intelligence at the Department of Homeland Security during the Obama administration, said the hurried implementation of the screening posed health risks on Saturday night.John Cohen, a former acting under secretary for intelligence at the Department of Homeland Security during the Obama administration, said the hurried implementation of the screening posed health risks on Saturday night.
“It is critically important that before you announce that you are going to ramp up that type of screening, that you develop a plan and work out all the operational details,” he said. “People who were awaiting medical screening shouldn’t have been in the same area as people awaiting passport screening.” He added: “They may have potentially placed a significant number of inbound travelers at risk of being exposed. to the virus.”“It is critically important that before you announce that you are going to ramp up that type of screening, that you develop a plan and work out all the operational details,” he said. “People who were awaiting medical screening shouldn’t have been in the same area as people awaiting passport screening.” He added: “They may have potentially placed a significant number of inbound travelers at risk of being exposed. to the virus.”
Many travelers Saturday agreed.Many travelers Saturday agreed.
“I found it a little ironic they had so many people waiting in the same area,” said Genevieve Couldwell, a doctoral student who lives in Salt Lake City and flew from London to New York on Sunday. “We went through this whole process only to be kept in a situation where there might have been more exposure.”“I found it a little ironic they had so many people waiting in the same area,” said Genevieve Couldwell, a doctoral student who lives in Salt Lake City and flew from London to New York on Sunday. “We went through this whole process only to be kept in a situation where there might have been more exposure.”
By Sunday afternoon, the new policy appeared to be operating more smoothly in many parts of the country. At Dulles International Airport in Virginia, travelers said they had breezed through the line.By Sunday afternoon, the new policy appeared to be operating more smoothly in many parts of the country. At Dulles International Airport in Virginia, travelers said they had breezed through the line.
In fact, some passengers on Sunday said they were angry at what they said was not enough screening.In fact, some passengers on Sunday said they were angry at what they said was not enough screening.
“They didn’t swab us, they didn’t take our temperatures, they didn’t do anything but ask us how we felt,” said Linda Cole, from Williamsburg, Virginia, who was returning from a vacation in Portugal via Heathrow.“They didn’t swab us, they didn’t take our temperatures, they didn’t do anything but ask us how we felt,” said Linda Cole, from Williamsburg, Virginia, who was returning from a vacation in Portugal via Heathrow.
Her friend, Carol Schrader, said one of the people on their flight had been in their hotel in Portugal and had gotten sick, though it was not clear with what.Her friend, Carol Schrader, said one of the people on their flight had been in their hotel in Portugal and had gotten sick, though it was not clear with what.
Ms. Cole added: “They asked me if I’d been in contact with anyone who had the coronavirus. I said no, but I probably have now,” she said, a reference to their wait with other passengers to reach the screening tables.Ms. Cole added: “They asked me if I’d been in contact with anyone who had the coronavirus. I said no, but I probably have now,” she said, a reference to their wait with other passengers to reach the screening tables.
It is also possible that shorter waits on Sunday reflected planes being less full than those on Saturday, after many people had raced to leave Europe as soon as possible in the confusion set off by President Trump’s announcement on Wednesday of restrictions on travel from mainland Europe.It is also possible that shorter waits on Sunday reflected planes being less full than those on Saturday, after many people had raced to leave Europe as soon as possible in the confusion set off by President Trump’s announcement on Wednesday of restrictions on travel from mainland Europe.
At John F. Kennedy Airport in New York, a flight from Rome on Sunday that landed at 3:25 p.m. only carried about 30 passengers.At John F. Kennedy Airport in New York, a flight from Rome on Sunday that landed at 3:25 p.m. only carried about 30 passengers.
Bill Kennedy, a business consultant from Minnesota who spent two weeks in Paris, arrived at Kennedy Airport on Sunday evening and said he was pleasantly surprised how easy it was going through customs.Bill Kennedy, a business consultant from Minnesota who spent two weeks in Paris, arrived at Kennedy Airport on Sunday evening and said he was pleasantly surprised how easy it was going through customs.
“From reading the news I was afraid it was going to be a nightmare,” Mr. Kennedy, 46, said. He said his flight had been perhaps only a third full.“From reading the news I was afraid it was going to be a nightmare,” Mr. Kennedy, 46, said. He said his flight had been perhaps only a third full.
The new procedures for travelers from Europe were rolled out after weeks of what many international travelers described as worryingly lax controls at American airports. As late as last Monday, passengers returning from Italy reported no screenings and no information about self-quarantine, despite the fact that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has listed Italy as a “Level 3” country requiring self-quarantine since Feb. 28.The new procedures for travelers from Europe were rolled out after weeks of what many international travelers described as worryingly lax controls at American airports. As late as last Monday, passengers returning from Italy reported no screenings and no information about self-quarantine, despite the fact that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has listed Italy as a “Level 3” country requiring self-quarantine since Feb. 28.
The new rules also ban travel for foreigners from more than two dozen countries in Europe, similar to the restrictions that had initially only been imposed on visitors from China. Foreigners who have visited any of the countries in the past two weeks are also prohibited from traveling to the United States.The new rules also ban travel for foreigners from more than two dozen countries in Europe, similar to the restrictions that had initially only been imposed on visitors from China. Foreigners who have visited any of the countries in the past two weeks are also prohibited from traveling to the United States.
Updated June 24, 2020 Updated June 30, 2020
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
Acting Commissioner Mark Morgan of Customs and Border Protection said in a statement Sunday that his agency “recognizes that the wait times experienced yesterday at some locations were unacceptable” and is “working around the clock” to remedy the situation.Acting Commissioner Mark Morgan of Customs and Border Protection said in a statement Sunday that his agency “recognizes that the wait times experienced yesterday at some locations were unacceptable” and is “working around the clock” to remedy the situation.
Chad Wolf, the acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, acknowledged that an “unacceptable” situation had unfolded at a “limited number” of airports. “We continue to surge personnel,” he said, adding that the average wait time was now 30 minutes.Chad Wolf, the acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, acknowledged that an “unacceptable” situation had unfolded at a “limited number” of airports. “We continue to surge personnel,” he said, adding that the average wait time was now 30 minutes.
Angry international travelers said U.S. officials appeared unprepared for the deluge of people who were newly required to undergo the new procedures.Angry international travelers said U.S. officials appeared unprepared for the deluge of people who were newly required to undergo the new procedures.
“We were handed this unofficial-looking form, with no federal markings on it,” said Tracy Sefl, who waited in lines with her husband for more than four hours at O’Hare Airport on Saturday night, only to be told that they shouldn’t have been sent for an enhanced screening since they had not traveled through Europe. The most concerning thing about the long lines, she said, was the they felt like a “massive incubator for virus transmission.”“We were handed this unofficial-looking form, with no federal markings on it,” said Tracy Sefl, who waited in lines with her husband for more than four hours at O’Hare Airport on Saturday night, only to be told that they shouldn’t have been sent for an enhanced screening since they had not traveled through Europe. The most concerning thing about the long lines, she said, was the they felt like a “massive incubator for virus transmission.”
“There were easily a few thousand people crammed together in this space,” she said. “Elderly. Babies. It was just this free-for-all.”“There were easily a few thousand people crammed together in this space,” she said. “Elderly. Babies. It was just this free-for-all.”
The sense of chaos has been heightened by confusion over Mr. Trump’s address to the nation on Wednesday night. He indicated that travel from the Schengen visa-free zone in Europe would be cut off on Friday at midnight. In the wake of those remarks, a flood of Americans rushed to return home from Europe, including Katherine Bieger, a 43-year-old clinical psychologist from New York who had just landed in Poland to attend a memorial service. She bought a new ticket to get home before the Friday night deadline, and missed the memorial.The sense of chaos has been heightened by confusion over Mr. Trump’s address to the nation on Wednesday night. He indicated that travel from the Schengen visa-free zone in Europe would be cut off on Friday at midnight. In the wake of those remarks, a flood of Americans rushed to return home from Europe, including Katherine Bieger, a 43-year-old clinical psychologist from New York who had just landed in Poland to attend a memorial service. She bought a new ticket to get home before the Friday night deadline, and missed the memorial.
“It is amazing how the calculus changed from one day to the next,” she said. At Kennedy Airport on Thursday night, she said, she wasn’t asked a single question or given any recommendation that she quarantine. “Zero.” she said.“It is amazing how the calculus changed from one day to the next,” she said. At Kennedy Airport on Thursday night, she said, she wasn’t asked a single question or given any recommendation that she quarantine. “Zero.” she said.
But three days later, airports across the United States began instituting the enhanced measures.But three days later, airports across the United States began instituting the enhanced measures.
Under the new screening rules, when travelers arrive at the 13 designated airports, they are to be interviewed by a customs officer, who will also review the person’s travel history using a Homeland Security database. The officer will ask them about their current medical condition.Under the new screening rules, when travelers arrive at the 13 designated airports, they are to be interviewed by a customs officer, who will also review the person’s travel history using a Homeland Security database. The officer will ask them about their current medical condition.
If they don’t show symptoms, they will be asked to quarantine in their homes for 14 days. Depending on their symptoms and previous medical history, travelers could be subject to additional screening by a medical professional at the airport. They could also be subject to a federal quarantine.If they don’t show symptoms, they will be asked to quarantine in their homes for 14 days. Depending on their symptoms and previous medical history, travelers could be subject to additional screening by a medical professional at the airport. They could also be subject to a federal quarantine.
Only 17 people have been forced by the federal officials at airports to quarantine since Feb. 2, according to a senior Homeland Security official. More than 30,000 have been asked to quarantine in their homes. There is no timetable on the current travel restrictions.Only 17 people have been forced by the federal officials at airports to quarantine since Feb. 2, according to a senior Homeland Security official. More than 30,000 have been asked to quarantine in their homes. There is no timetable on the current travel restrictions.
On Saturday, Mr. Trump said foreigners in the United Kingdom and Ireland also would soon be barred from traveling to the United States. Flights that depart those two countries after 11:59 p.m. on Monday will be subject to the same directives as other countries in Europe.On Saturday, Mr. Trump said foreigners in the United Kingdom and Ireland also would soon be barred from traveling to the United States. Flights that depart those two countries after 11:59 p.m. on Monday will be subject to the same directives as other countries in Europe.
American citizens, legal permanent residents and their family members under the age of 21 who have visited the European countries in the past two weeks are allowed to return to the United States, but airlines will rebook their flights to one of 13 designated airports.American citizens, legal permanent residents and their family members under the age of 21 who have visited the European countries in the past two weeks are allowed to return to the United States, but airlines will rebook their flights to one of 13 designated airports.
Richard Fausset reported from Atlanta, Farah Stockman from Boston and Zolan Kanno-Youngs from Washington. Sabrina Tavernise contributed reporting from Chantilly, Va., Robert Chiarito from Chicago and Nate Schweber from New York.Richard Fausset reported from Atlanta, Farah Stockman from Boston and Zolan Kanno-Youngs from Washington. Sabrina Tavernise contributed reporting from Chantilly, Va., Robert Chiarito from Chicago and Nate Schweber from New York.