Passenger BANNED for life from airline after testing positive for coronavirus mid-air
A man has been banned from flying JetBlue for life after he learned while in the air that he had been tested positive for coronavirus.
The passenger was midair on JetBlue Flight 253 from New York City to Palm Beach, Florida when he found out about his diagnosis.
“Last night’s event put our crewmembers, customers and federal and local officials in an unsettling situation that could have easily been avoided,” JetBlue said in a statement.
“And as such, this customer will not be permitted to fly on JetBlue in the future.”
There were 114 passengers onboard the flight and once landed, the plane sat on the tarmac for hours as health authorities thoroughly analysed and sanitised the scene as per the guidelines of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
Scott Rodman told CNBC he was sitting near the infected passenger during the flight and after passengers were deplaned, he and many others were taken to a meeting room to speak to health department officials.
“From what we were told, he had been tested for the virus two days ago,” Rodman said. “When he was sitting on the plane, he got either a phone call or a text message saying that it was a positive test.”
Mr Rodman said travellers were not forced to self-quarantine and were free to leave.
“We were told that we were fine to go do whatever we want,” Rodman said. “And we were told that because he wasn’t sneezing or coughing at all, that we’re fine.”
Lacy Larson, spokesperson for Palm Beach International Airport, explained to The Post that the airport had undergone a thorough cleaning upon learning about the passenger’s test result and resumed operating normally.
“We are following all the guidelines provided by the Department of Health, of course, and the CDC. We’re taking extra measures to ensure a clean environment in the airport,” she said.
“We’re increasing the sterilization of the high-traffic areas, the high-'touch' areas, the facility in general.”
The Port Authority went on to release their own statement saying: “This is on top of the enhanced cleaning protocols that have been in have been in place at JFK Airport.
“These protocols include at least twice daily sanitisation of all common and high-touchpoint areas with EPA-approved and CDC-endorsed antiviral disinfectants, in addition to overnight deep cleaning of all terminal areas.”
People who believe they may be exposed to coronavirus are being urged to contact their doctor and avoid crowded places and nonessential travel.