Enhanced Coronavirus Screening Ordered At DTW Airport

METRO DETROIT, MI — The Detroit Metropolitan Airport is one of 11 U.S. airports that will have enhanced security in the wake of the spreading coronavirus, the Department of Homeland Security announced. That means people flying in from China can be rerouted to DTW for screenings.

The Department of Homeland Security says that if it is discovered mid-flight that someone on-board is feeling unwell and has been to China within the last 14 days, the plane could be rerouted to one of 11 different U.S. airports, including DTW, which was added to the list Monday.

U.S. citizens who have been to the Hubei province, where coronavirus is believed to have originated, within 14 days of their return will be subject to up to a 14-day mandatory quarantine.

Delta says they are suspending their flights from the U.S. to China because of these enhanced screenings. American Airlines and United Airlines are also temporarily suspending their flights.

“While the overall risk to the American public remains low, funneling all flights with passengers who have recently been in China is the most important and prudent step we can take at this time to decrease the strain on public health officials screening incoming travelers," said DHS Acting Secretary Chad F. Wolf. "These steps will also expedite the processing of U.S. citizens returning from China, and ensure resources are focused on the health and safety of the American people.”

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Symptoms and how to stop the spread of coronavirus

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, common human coronaviruses usually cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory illnesses, like the common cold. These illnesses typically only last for a short time.

Symptoms may include:

• runny nose
• headache
• cough
• sore throat
• fever
• a general feeling of being unwell

Coronaviruses can also sometimes cause lower-respiratory illnesses, such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
The illness can spread through:

• the air by coughing and sneezing
• close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands
• rarely, fecal contamination

There are currently no vaccines to prevent coronavirus, but IDPH offers these tips for preventing the spread of the illness:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.