newyork.cbslocal | With the coronavirus outbreak affecting at least 40 countries, many travelers are concerned about what’s being done to contain the virus.
At JFK Airport, jetlagged passengers typically in a rush to
clear immigration are now appalled by a lack of screening, especially
compared to procedures in the countries they just left.
Emily Ferrara and Blair Haworth just returned from Florence, Italy,
where their study abroad program was canceled because of the virus.
There are more than 300 cases there, one of the largest outbreaks
outside China.
Yet, the students told CBS2’s Christina Fan they weren’t asked a
single question about potential symptoms once they landed in New York
City.
“We didn’t even get checked. Like we’re used to being in Florence
where you get your temperature checked. Here they didn’t do anything,
which is kind of crazy,” Ferrara said. “Considering, like, how much the
cases have spread so fast, like, they should definitely be taking more
precautions here.”
Currently, the United States is only conducting health screenings for passengers who are flying in from China.
Some, including Mayor Bill de Blasio this week, called for the screenings to be extended to flights from Italy, South Korea and Japan.
But Dr. Teresa Amato, the chair of emergency medicine at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills, says the idea may not be effective.
“I think it’s becoming increasingly difficult given that people are
infected with no symptoms and travel areas are becoming more and more
widespread with the virus,” she said.
In addition to airport screenings, some passengers believe there
should be more travel restrictions from countries other than China.
President Donald Trump weighed in on the idea at a press conference
Wednesday.
“At a right time, we might do that. Right now, it’s not the right time,” he said.
