Coronavirus screening may cause delays, diversions at U.S. airports

U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Centers for Disease Control are conducting screenings for Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) of travelers entering the U.S. from Wuhan, China, where the virus is believed to have originated.

Key points:

• Travelers from China should anticipate delays and potential diversion to one of 20 airports in the U.S. that are equipped with screening and quarantine stations.
• Screening requires affected travelers to fill out a questionnaire about their travel and any symptoms, and have their temperature taken.
• The U.S. State Department has issued a travel warning advising American citizens against travel to Wuhan.

Background: The virus causes flu-like symptoms and double pneumonia. More than 1,000 individuals in China have been infected and several travel-related cases in the U.S. have been detected.

BAL Analysis: Travelers from China, including business travelers and U.S. residents returning from China, should be aware of U.S. protocols at airports and prepare for screening and potential diversion to one of the airports where screenings are in place.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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