U.S. directs travellers from Ebola-affected countries to 5 airports

Individuals arriving in the U.S. from Ebola-affected nations in West Africa are now required to enter through one of five airports that have been equipped for enhanced passenger screening.

Those include Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, Dulles International Airport in Virginia, Hartsfield Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, John F. Kennedy International Airport and Newark International Airport in New Jersey.

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, these locations account for more than 94 per cent of arrivals from the affected region into the U.S.  

The enhanced screening includes:1.    Identifying and interdicting travelers from the Ebola-affected countries 2.    Isolating these travelers from the rest of traveling public while the individual completes a questionnaire and contact information form3.    Medically-trained personnel will take the traveler’s temperature. If the traveler has a fever or other symptoms, or may have been exposed to Ebola, CBP will refer the traveler to CDC for a public health assessment. CDC will then determine whether the traveler can continue to travel, is taken to a hospital for further evaluation, or is referred to a local health department for further monitoring4.    Encouraging the traveler to seek health care at the first sign of any potential illness 

The DHS said it is working closely with the airlines to implement these restrictions with minimal travel disruption.