U.S. asks travelers for patience amid chaos, long lines at airports
Source: Reuters
U.S. MARCH 15, 2020 / 11:45 AM / UPDATED 3 HOURS AGO
U.S. asks travelers for patience amid chaos, long lines at airports
Peter Szekely, Maria Caspani
4 MIN READ
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Travelers returning to the United States and being screened for the coronavirus were met by long lines and massive delays at some major airports, prompting federal officials to deploy more staff and President Donald Trump to appeal for patience.
Pardon the interruptions and delays, Trump said in a Twitter post on Sunday afternoon. We are moving as quickly as possible, but it is very important that we be vigilant and careful.
Authorities are conducting very precise medical screenings, Trump tweeted, adding safety comes first. The disease has infected more than 3,200 people in the United States and killed at least 62.
Trumps comments echoed those of officials from the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection. They acknowledged delays caused by the new testing policy, but said it was necessary to protect Americans from the virus, which has rapidly spread around the globe.
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https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-usa-airports/u-s-asks-travelers-for-patience-amid-chaos-long-lines-at-airports-idUSKBN2120V7