The airport has direct flights from China.(Photo: Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport)
Detroit Metro Airport has begun screening arriving passangers for coronavirus after the number of people infected with the severe respiratory illness in China jumped to 4,500.
The airport — an international hub — is one of 20 across the country now screening for the new illness with help from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are five reported cases in the U.S.
Metro Airport provided the following statement to WXYZ:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is now conducting enhanced passenger screening at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, in response to concerns regarding the Coronavirus. The Airport Authority is working with the CDC, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), our airline partners and tenants to help prevent the spread of the virus.
In the McNamara Terminal, Detroit Metropolitan Airport offers direct flights to and from Beijing and Shanghai, China. Out of an abundance of caution, the janitorial service has increased the frequency of its cleaning schedule in the terminal’s Federal Inspection Station, also known as the International Arrivals area.
The Airport Authority will remain in communication with the CDC and provide updates when possible.
The New York Times reports that similar screening at an Alaska airport looks for coughs, fever or shortness of breath. Those who exhibit those symptoms are further assessed and, if needed, referred to a hospital.
