United Airlines cautions passengers for exposure after potential in-flight coronavirus-connected death

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Following the death of a passenger during a flight going to Los Angeles, United Airlines advised its passengers of possible exposure to COVID-19.
• The deceased passenger reportedly mistakenly declared his COVID-19 diagnosis during the pre-boarding procedure.
• The CDC said they are currently doing contact tracing, and they will respond as per coronavirus protocols.

In a statement, United Airlines said it is working with the authorities from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for assistance in tracing and getting in touch with passengers who were possibly exposed to coronavirus after one traveler underwent a health emergency during this week’s flight and died.

The company also said that the emergency happened during Monday’s Orlando-to-Los-Angeles flight. The flight changed course toward New Orleans when a man became sick while on board. Medical responders brought the passenger to a hospital where he was declared dead.

One passenger, Shay Allen, described the incident to NBC Los Angeles as “intense” and “not real,” adding that she saw the man embarking the plane and having a hard time breathing. Within 20 minutes into the flight, the health staff began to resuscitate the man, noting that she and other passengers overheard the man’s spouse say he appeared to show symptoms of coronavirus.

The airline explained that during the flight diversion, they were told that the man suffered a heart attack, so they gave their passengers the choice of either resume their original plans, or take the later flight out. Since CDC got in touch with United Airlines, they coordinated by sharing the necessary information so the agency can conduct an effective contact tracing and warn those that may be infected.

Before the man was allowed boarding, he filled out a COVID-19 checklist form where he erroneously declared that he had no symptoms of the virus.

In a statement, the CDC confirmed that they are already gathering information and will act following the existing health protocols, and whenever necessary, they would proceed to further public health response. The CDC will also not disclose any information about the deceased man to protect his right to privacy. 

Allen told NBC Los Angeles that she was under self-quarantine at her California home as obliged by the state. As of Friday, health officials haven’t contacted Allen yet.

A spokesperson for the Association of Flight Attendants, Taylor Garland, told NBC Los Angeles that four flight crews who are on duty during the flight have also gone under a 14-day quarantine the soonest the plane arrived at Los Angeles.

Garlan said that the group will continue assisting the flight attendants, urging the public to observe coronavirus measures implemented by the airlines and don’t travel if they feel sick.

Source: NBC News