The Atlanta International Airport Is Now On High Alert For The Coronavirus
Here's how to navigate safely.
The spread of Coronavirus from Asia to the U.S. has been a major cause of concern in recent months. With the number of cases growing, several airports around the country have been cracking down on screenings. It was reported yesterday that over 200 people at the Atlanta airport showed symptoms of Coronavirus and were quarantined as a result.
According to Fox 5 Atlanta, a briefing by General Manager of Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, John Selden, indicated Wednesday, February 26, that 200 travelers coming through the airport showed symptoms of Coronavirus.
Consequently, these potential cases were designated for voluntary home quarantine in which medical personnel provided daily monitoring. They were all cleared without having to visit a hospital.
Despite the CDC's recent report of the Coronavirus' global pandemic status, Selden further clarified that Atlanta is in good shape. Only one traveler diagnosed with the virus has come through U.S. airports.
However, it's still recommended that Atlantans take precautions. As the busiest airport in the entire world, hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world are in and out of Hartsfield-Jackson at any given time.
It is advised by the CDC and the World Health Organization for everyone traveling to wash their hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, cover the mouth when coughing or sneezing and avoid raw meats if you currently have any underlying medical conditions.
Those who begin to show symptoms such as shortness of breath, fever, coughing and/or sneezing after traveling through the airport are advised to get checked by a local doctor.
Steering clear of heavily-trafficked areas like the many popular restaurants and spas here may be travelers' best bet for now.
It may also be best to avoid being in close proximity with other travelers and avoid touching and being touched by others, just in case.
There have been several scares of possible cases, but the majority have resulted in false alarms. All cases were able to return home safely.
Of over 1,000 screened individuals in Atlanta, only one showed critical symptoms and was taken to Emory Hospital. The patient was not diagnosed with Coronavirus and was released after three days.