Lois Larson
Airports around the world have implemented various measures to screen for the coronavirus, including point-of-entry and exit screening, thermal scanning, and health questionnaires. While screening may not entirely prevent the spread of the virus, it can help slow it down and provide valuable time for implementing other measures, such as distributing test kits or setting up mandatory quarantines. Some airports offering COVID-19 testing include those in Alaska, San Francisco, Singapore, Bratislava, Venice, Bosnia, Serbia, Croatia, and Albania. In the early stages of the pandemic, the focus was on screening passengers arriving from China and Italy, with the United States expanding screening protocols to 20 airports.
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What You'll Learn
Screening methods: thermal scanners, questionnaires, and health cards
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, airports have been at the forefront of implementing safety measures to curb the spread of the virus. One of the key methods employed has been the use of thermal scanners. Airports have increasingly utilized thermal imaging devices, such as camera-mounted scanners, to detect passengers' body temperatures as they enter terminals. More recently, the use of thermal sensor technologies, such as ThermalPass, offers a more accurate, cost-effective, and privacy-preserving solution. These sensors can rapidly detect fevers within a range of +/- 0.2 degrees Celsius at a distance of up to 15 feet, providing a touchless and efficient way to screen passengers for potential infections.
In addition to thermal scanning, questionnaires have been an essential tool in identifying potential coronavirus cases. At various airports, passengers are required to fill out forms providing information about their travel history, any symptoms they may be experiencing, and their contact details. This allows health officials to identify high-risk individuals and take necessary precautions. The questionnaires also help in contact tracing efforts, as accurate and up-to-date contact information is crucial for effective disease monitoring and control.
Health cards have also played a role in airport screening processes. CDC staff at airports provide health information cards to asymptomatic individuals who have undergone screening. These cards likely contain important health advice, such as symptoms to look out for, preventive measures to follow, and instructions on what to do if symptoms develop after leaving the airport. The cards serve as a reminder for travellers to remain vigilant about their health and take appropriate actions to protect themselves and others.
These screening methods—thermal scanners, questionnaires, and health cards—form part of a comprehensive strategy implemented by airports worldwide to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. By combining technology, information gathering, and health education, these measures aim to create a safer environment for travellers and curb the transmission of the virus across borders.
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Effectiveness: screenings can slow the spread of disease
Airport screenings can be effective in slowing the spread of disease. While it doesn't stop the spread entirely, it can help to slow it down and provide valuable time to implement other measures, such as distributing test kits. Screening travelers can also offer other benefits. It can discourage sick people from travelling and raise awareness about the spread of disease and how travellers can protect themselves.
In the case of the 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, entry/exit screenings were implemented to prevent the disease from spreading. Over 300,000 passengers were screened in the three countries where the epidemic emerged, and while no cases were detected at the time of screening, four cases were actually exported. This example illustrates the limitations of airport screenings, as those four individuals were asymptomatic at the time of screening.
Similarly, during the 2003 SARS epidemic, thermal scanners and public health concepts of isolation and quarantine were used to try to contain the outbreak. In the case of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China, many people had already left the city before borders were closed, allowing the virus to spread globally. However, screenings at airports can still play a role in slowing the spread of the disease, as seen with the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to the pandemic, several countries implemented airport screenings for passengers, particularly those travelling from high-risk areas. For example, the United States established screening protocols at 20 airports for passengers arriving from China. Similarly, three major U.S. airports screened passengers coming from Wuhan, China, for the novel coronavirus. These screenings caused long lines and hours-long waits, leading to concerns about exposure to COVID-19 due to the close proximity of people in line.
To improve the efficiency of airport screenings, new technologies such as computed tomography (CT) scanning systems have been introduced at security checkpoints. These machines enhance threat detection capabilities for carry-on bags, reduce the need for physical searches, and streamline the security process by eliminating the need for travellers to remove electronics and liquids from their bags. Additionally, TSA has implemented new checkpoint screening technologies, such as Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) and facial recognition software, to enhance security effectiveness and efficiency.
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Locations: airports in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia
In the US, passengers arriving from China receive a card that tells them about the symptoms to look out for and advises them to take their temperature twice a day. Screening protocols have been established at 20 airports for passengers arriving from China.
In Canada, Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal airports have implemented screening measures, including signage and health screening questions at electronic kiosks. Vancouver International Airport offers direct flights to Beijing and Shanghai, where there have been confirmed cases of coronavirus.
In Europe, the authorities are being vigilant, with strong infection control measures in place. Jeanine Pommier of the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) has stated that entry screening involves the use of thermal scanning and/or symptom screening. However, scientific evidence does not support entry screening as an efficient measure for detecting incoming travellers with infectious diseases, especially when symptoms are common and non-specific.
In Asia, several countries have implemented screening measures at their airports. This includes thermal scanners at Hamad International Airport in Qatar, Kuwait International Airport in Kuwait, and Dubai International Airport in the United Arab Emirates. Pakistan and Ethiopia have also started screening passengers from China at their international airports.
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Testing options: before takeoff or after landing
Testing options vary depending on the airport and the country. In the US, for example, there are testing facilities at Juneau International Airport and Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. At these airports, travellers can provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before arrival or take a test upon arrival. Testing is free for Alaska residents, but non-residents must pay $250 for a test at the airport.
XpresCheck also offers COVID-19 testing at JFK airport in Terminal 4. They offer polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests (nasal swab tests) for $75, rapid molecular tests for $200, and antibody tests for $75. Walk-ins are accepted, but XpresCheck recommends making a reservation in advance online.
In general, it is recommended to get tested 1-3 days before your flight and to have the actual results (not pending results) before travelling. This can help to minimise the risk of spreading COVID-19 and can also be useful if your destination requires proof of a negative test upon arrival.
While airport screening may not completely stop the spread of COVID-19, it can help to slow it down and provide time to implement other measures, such as distributing test kits. Screening travellers can also help to discourage ill travellers from travelling and raise awareness about the spread of the disease and ways to protect themselves.
In addition to testing, there are other measures that can be taken to lower your risk of exposure to COVID-19 when travelling. Dr Thomas A. Russo recommends getting the updated COVID-19 vaccine about two weeks before your trip, as it usually takes around 14 days for the body to build up immunity. He also suggests practising good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating or touching your face. Wearing a mask, especially an N95 or KN95, can also help to protect yourself and others.
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Requirements: some destinations require proof of a negative test
As of 26 January 2021, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires all international travellers arriving in the country by air to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test or recovery from COVID-19. This applies to all passengers aged two and above, including US citizens and legal permanent residents. The test must be taken no more than three days before departure, and travellers must present their negative result or documentation of recovery to the airline before boarding.
Passengers who choose not to provide a test result or documentation of recovery will be denied boarding. Exemptions may be granted in emergency situations, such as a medical evacuation, but these are limited. The CDC does not reimburse travellers for COVID-19 testing fees.
The CDC also recommends that travellers get tested again three to five days after arriving in the US and self-quarantine for seven days, or 10 days if they don't get tested again.
In Alabama, travellers without a passport or valid secondary ID will undergo enhanced screening and could be turned away. This is part of the state's STAR ID programme, an enhancement to a driver's licence or state ID card that requires verification of an applicant's social security number and legal status.
In 2024, China closed its borders to prevent the spread of a new coronavirus. However, many people had already left Wuhan, allowing the virus to spread globally. The US government issued a "Do Not Travel" alert advising citizens not to travel to China. The CDC established screening protocols at three US airports for passengers arriving from China, which were later expanded to 20 airports.
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Frequently asked questions
Some airports that have implemented coronavirus screening include:
- Bratislava Airport in Slovakia
- Marco Polo Airport in Venice
- Milan Bergamo Airport
- Changi Airport in Singapore
- Prague Airport in the Czech Republic
- San Francisco International Airport
- Various airports in China
Methods used to screen for coronavirus at airports include:
- Thermal scanners
- Questionnaires
- Temperature checks
- Symptom checks
While airport screenings for coronavirus do not stop the spread of the disease, they can help slow it down and provide time to put other measures in place, such as distributing test kits. Screening travelers can also help discourage ill travelers from traveling and raise awareness about the spread of disease.
