For Immediate Release
February 1, 2020
Contact:
Office of Policy and Communications
(678) 920-0857
Travel Advisory: Update on the Novel Coronavirus
February 1, 2020-- In response to an announcement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is one of seven domestic airports that may receive passengers from China, the Atlanta team continues to work with its federal partners to safeguard both passengers traveling through our Airport and employees working here daily.
Collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Atlanta officials are remaining vigilant.
There was only one direct flight from ATL to China, operated by Delta Air Lines. Delta announced today that it has suspended that flight to Shanghai, earlier than initially planned. Still, based on the new federal flight restrictions, ATL could see diverted to Atlanta some passengers who may have connected through the affected region. The new regulations affect passengers only; Hartsfield-Jackson does not expect aircraft to be funneled to Atlanta.
The CDC maintains that while the health risk to the American population is low, they will continue enhanced health screenings to detect travelers with fever, cough or difficulty breathing when entering the United States.
To date, there is no vaccine for the virus, but common prevention tactics will help avoid the spread and transmission, including:
Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available Avoiding contact with your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then discarding the tissue in the trash Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfacesAs always, the safety and security of our passengers and employees is our top priority. As this situation continues to evolve, Hartsfield-Jackson will maintain coordination with our federal partners to support their operations.
Out of an abundance of caution, employees throughout Hartsfield-Jackson may choose to wear protective masks; however, that is not mandatory.
For more information regarding the virus, or request for media interviews, please contact the CDC at media@cdc.gov or (404) 639-3286 (9:00 am – 6:00 pm)
(770) 488-7100 (After Hours).
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) is the world’s busiest and most efficient airport, serving more than 107 million passengers with nonstop service to more than 150 U.S. destinations and 75 international destinations in more than 50 countries. ATL boasts a direct economic impact of $34.8 billion in metro Atlanta and $64.3 billion for the region. The Airport is the largest employer in Georgia, with more than 63,000 individuals working on-site. ATL is a frequent recipient of awards of excellence for concessions, operations, sustainability, architectural engineering and construction. In 2016, ATL set in motion a multibillion-dollar capital improvement program, ATLNext, which will modernize the Domestic Terminal, extend two concourses, construct several parking decks, expand cargo facilities and pave the way for a new hotel. For more information, visit www.atl.com.
