Owais Crawford
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, airports around the world have implemented health screenings and quarantine procedures to prevent the spread of the virus. These screenings include temperature checks, observation for symptoms, social distancing, and increased cleaning and disinfecting procedures. In the United States, airports such as JFK Airport, LAX Airport, and Chicago O'Hare International Airport have conducted health screenings for passengers from affected regions. Similarly, countries like Thailand, Australia, and India have also increased health screenings at their international airports. These measures aim to safeguard the well-being of both screening officers and travelers by identifying those at high risk and ensuring they receive medical attention.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | January 2020 |
| Reason | To prevent the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus |
| Airports | Bangkok, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Changi Airport, New York's JFK Airport, LA's LAX Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Heathrow Airport, Beijing's central railway station, Indian airports, US airports |
| Screening methods | Temperature checks, observation for symptoms, infrared thermometers, interviews, pamphlets |
| Other measures | Quarantine procedures, social distancing, increased cleaning and disinfecting, visual reminders of appropriate spacing, metering passengers |
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What You'll Learn
Screening measures for travellers from Europe
In response to the coronavirus pandemic, airports around the world have implemented health screenings and quarantine procedures to prevent the spread of the virus. Here are the screening measures that travellers from Europe can expect when arriving at their destination:
United States
The United States has introduced tighter screening measures for travellers from Europe, including temperature checks and observing for symptoms such as cough and difficulty breathing. Long queues have been reported at Chicago O'Hare and Dallas-Fort Worth airports as travellers returning from Europe wait for health screenings. The US has also imposed a ban on non-Americans travelling from European countries in the Schengen zone, with extensions to the UK and Ireland. US citizens returning from these areas are allowed entry but are subject to screening procedures.
Australia
Australia has implemented health screenings for all inbound travellers arriving from China. Instead of installing temperature monitors, medical officials meet and interview passengers, looking for symptoms such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. They also distribute pamphlets in English and Chinese, outlining the symptoms and requesting passengers who exhibit any symptoms to identify themselves to biosecurity officers.
Thailand
Thailand has increased health screenings at international airports in Bangkok, Krabi, Chiang Mai, and Phuket for arrivals not just from Wuhan but also from Beijing and Shenzhen. These screenings include temperature checks and observing for symptoms.
Singapore
From 22 January 2020, Singapore expanded temperature screening at Changi Airport to include all inbound travellers on flights arriving from China.
India
India has increased the number of airports screening passengers from China, including Hong Kong.
United Kingdom
Flights from Wuhan to London's Heathrow Airport are required to land in an isolated part of the airport, where health professionals meet and screen passengers for symptoms.
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Screening travellers from Wuhan, China
In 2020, as the Lunar New Year travel rush picked up, airports in countries including Thailand, Australia, the United States, and Russia increased health screenings and implemented new quarantine procedures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, which first appeared in Wuhan, China.
Screening procedures
In the US, passengers flying in from Wuhan, whether on direct or indirect flights, were only allowed to land at five airports that were conducting health screenings, which included temperature checks and observation for symptoms such as a cough and trouble breathing. The five airports included New York's JFK Airport, LA's LAX Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Similarly, flights from Wuhan to London's Heathrow Airport were required to land in an isolated part of the airport's Terminal 4, where health professionals would meet and screen passengers.
In Australia, medical officials met and interviewed passengers off the plane, looking for symptoms. Health officials also distributed pamphlets in English and Chinese, outlining the symptoms of infection and asking passengers to identify themselves if they had any symptoms.
In Russia, at least four airports—Sheremetyevo and Vnukovo in Moscow, as well as airports in Yekaterinburg and Irkutsk—introduced screening measures to identify infected passengers.
Challenges and criticism
The implementation of health screenings at airports faced some challenges and criticism. For example, US airports experienced chaos and long queues as travellers waited for hours for screenings before passing through customs. Additionally, there was criticism of the effectiveness of temperature screening, with Australia's chief medical officer, Brendan Murphy, noting that temperature screening only detects around 10% of cases.
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Screening methods and tools
Airports around the world have implemented various screening methods and tools to ensure the safety of their passengers and staff. These measures have been particularly prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic, with airports taking proactive steps to prevent the spread of the virus.
One common screening method is temperature checks, which involve the use of infrared thermometers or thermal scanners to detect elevated body temperatures, which may indicate a fever, a common symptom of many infectious diseases, including COVID-19. These temperature screenings were implemented at airports such as Changi Airport in Singapore, Los Angeles International Airport, and Heathrow Airport in London for flights arriving from high-risk areas.
In addition to temperature checks, some airports have also conducted visual observations for symptoms. For example, during the COVID-19 outbreak, passengers arriving from Wuhan, China, were screened for symptoms such as cough and difficulty breathing. Medical officers at some airports, such as in Australia, would meet passengers off the plane and interview them, looking for potential symptoms and providing educational pamphlets in various languages.
To enhance security and identify potential threats, airports like those in the United States employ advanced imaging technology (AIT) or millimetre-wave technology. This technology can detect metallic and non-metallic objects, including weapons and explosives, that may be concealed under clothing. Passengers are given the option to decline AIT screening in favour of a physical screening, ensuring their comfort and privacy.
Furthermore, airports also utilise video monitoring and CCTV surveillance to maintain security. This monitoring extends to checked baggage facilities, where methods may vary from airport to airport. Additionally, passengers play a crucial role in reporting any suspicious activities, such as unattended bags or individuals exhibiting threatening behaviour, as part of a layered security approach.
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Social distancing and cleaning measures
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, airports have implemented social distancing and cleaning measures to ensure the health and safety of employees and travellers. These measures aim to reduce direct contact and the risk of disease transmission.
To promote social distancing, airports have introduced procedures to meter passengers, increase distance between individuals, and stagger the use of lanes. Visual reminders of appropriate spacing have been placed on floors, and checkpoints have been consolidated or closed to manage passenger volume. These measures aim to reduce direct contact and create space between individuals.
In addition to social distancing, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols have been implemented. Frontline employees are provided with guidance and training on routine cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, such as security screening equipment and bins. Strong anti-viral cleaning products are used to sanitize bins and other surfaces around checkpoints, and the frequency of bin-cleaning has increased.
Some airports allow travellers to carry larger bottles of hand sanitizer (up to 355 ml) in their carry-on luggage, encouraging personal hygiene practices. Explosive trace detection swabs are changed after each use, and officers wear gloves and masks during close-contact screening.
These measures aim to create a safer environment for travellers and staff by reducing the potential for virus transmission through contact with surfaces or close proximity to others. While these practices are essential during the pandemic, they may also have long-term benefits for reducing the spread of illnesses at airports.
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Quarantine procedures
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, airports around the world have implemented various quarantine procedures to prevent the spread of the virus. These procedures typically involve health screenings, such as temperature checks and observing for symptoms, as well as redirecting flights and passengers to specific airports equipped to handle health screenings.
For example, during the initial outbreak in Wuhan, China, passengers flying from Wuhan, whether on direct or indirect flights, were required to land at one of the five designated US airports conducting health screenings. Similarly, flights from Wuhan to London's Heathrow Airport were instructed to land in an isolated part of the airport, where health professionals would be present to screen passengers.
In addition to health screenings, some airports have implemented quarantine measures for arriving passengers. For instance, the Department of Health in Hong Kong issues quarantine orders to all passengers arriving at Hong Kong International Airport, except for exempted persons. These passengers are required to undergo COVID-19 testing at the Temporary Specimen Collection Centre (TSCC) immediately upon arrival and must remain in their designated quarantine premises, such as hotels or their homes, until they receive their test results.
At Seattle's Sea-Tac Airport, passengers arriving from China during the early stages of the pandemic faced mandatory quarantine measures. Those who exhibited symptoms were tested further and were not allowed to proceed to their final destination until cleared for travel. Asymptomatic individuals were instructed to self-quarantine at home and monitor their health for 14 days.
While these examples provide a glimpse into the quarantine procedures implemented at specific airports, the specifics may vary depending on local regulations, the prevalence of the virus, and the availability of resources. It is essential for travellers to stay informed about the requirements of their departure and arrival airports to ensure a smooth journey and contribute to the collective effort to curb the spread of the virus.
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Frequently asked questions
Airports in the US, Thailand, Australia, and India are increasing health screenings to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. In the US, travellers from Wuhan, China, are being screened at New York's JFK Airport, LA's LAX Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and Chicago O'Hare International Airport. In Thailand, screenings are taking place at airports in Bangkok, Krabi, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Australia is not installing temperature monitors at airports, but medical officials will meet and interview passengers. India is screening passengers from China, including Hong Kong, at seven airports.
Health screenings at airports are checking for symptoms of the Wuhan coronavirus, including fever, cough, and trouble breathing.
If you are experiencing symptoms of the Wuhan coronavirus, you should identify yourself to biosecurity officers or medical officials at the airport. It is important to follow any instructions provided by airport staff and health authorities to prevent the spread of the virus.
In addition to health screenings, airports are implementing new quarantine procedures and social distancing measures. Airports are also increasing cleaning and disinfecting protocols, especially for frequently touched surfaces and security screening equipment. Some airports are allowing travellers to carry larger bottles of hand sanitizer in their carry-on luggage.
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