Global arilines are now on high alert following the spread of the deadly coronovirus that has killed more than 100 people in China. Major airlines around the world have already implemented strict security and monitoring measures to prevent infected travellers from entering their respective countries. However, the United States has escalated its efforts with the government essentially asking airline operators to suspend their flights to and from China.
Potentially Infected Passenger Booted Off US Ariline
Passengers on a Southwest Airlines flight were witnesses to a hair-raising commotion this week as one of the people on the flight was forced to disembark after showing flu-like symptoms. In light of the current Wuhan coronavirus epidemic in China, aviation authorities did not want to take any chances.
According to a report published on Monday, a passenger onboard a Southwest Airlines flight from Las Vegas over the weekend was escorted by medical authorities off the plane. Sources claim that the said passenger had recently traveled to Beijing, increasing the possibility of him contracting the unknown coronavirus strain that is wreaking havoc in China.
Crew members were apparently alerted by people on the plane that one of the passengers was ill and showing signs of flu. A spokesperson for Southwest Airlines mentioned in an interview that its crew members simply followed the recommendations given by the Centers for Disease Control given the situation.
Local medical personnel was immediately ordered to check on the passenger once the flight arrived at its destination at Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. Other passengers that were traveling with the sick man were also given assistance and thoroughly checked. The ill passenger was reportedly sent to a medical facility for further evaluation. Southwest Airlines clarified that all of the passengers on its flight had undergone screening for the virus in Las Vegas.
US Suspending Flights To China
The ongoing coronavirus outbreak in China has prompted the United States' CDC to implement security measures in major airlines around the country to catch and detain the potentially infected travelers. As part of its efforts, the agency has also started displaying posters that explain the symptoms of the infection to raise awareness of the ongoing epidemic. The posted placed on various public transport facilities are both in English and Chinese.
US health officials have also issued a health alert for all travelers to and from Wuhan, China. Officials have advised people traveling to and from China to immediately seek medical attention if they are suffering from symptoms such as cough, fever, or difficulty breathing.
United Airlines became the first commercial US airline to suspend its flights to China. The company announced on Tuesday that it will be suspending 24 flights between the US and China starting on the first week of February. The decision came right after US officials had started to escalate its efforts to discourage any non-essential travel to the country to avoid any further infections. Delta airlines has yet to suspend its flights to China, but it has annouced that it will be offering free cancellations and change fees for travellers who have already booked their flights.
