At Least 200 People Traveling Through Atlanta Airport Showed Possible Coronavirus Symptoms

As the coronavirus continues to spread globally, Georgia residents should now be aware that at least 200 travelers coming through Atlanta showed possible coronavirus symptoms.

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport officials said in a briefing Wednesday afternoon that those travelers were designated for voluntary home quarantine, according to Fox 5 Atlanta.

All of the passengers who were checked out did not have to be admitted to a hospital.

So far, of the more than 1,000 passengers screened, only one traveler inbound from South Korea arrived at the airport with critical symptoms and that person was taken to Emory Hospital for treatment. Officials say the patient did not have coronavirus and was released after three days.

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport’s General Manager John Selden said given the virus is touching more countries, more screenings are taking place beyond flights that come from Asia.

“Atlanta is in good shape…and nationwide there has been only one person who has come through a U.S. airport with the virus,” Selden said.

In other words, airport officials feel the Atlanta community has no need to panic.

On Tuesday, we reported that the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention warned Americans to prepare for the spread of the virus, saying it was getting harder to monitor at the border.

As a reminder, there is no vaccine for the coronavirus but the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to it. CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

1. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
3. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
4. Stay home when you are sick.
5. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
6. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.