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WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) continues to vigorously monitor the coronavirus and working with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure all preventative measures are taken to monitor and educate travelers and the public from the recent outbreak in China.

Tuesday, the CDC announced it is expanding entry screening to 20 US airports – including Detroit Metro Airport – for all passengers arriving from affected areas. Customs and Border Protection will also provide travelers with CDC’s Travel Health Alert Notice to educate travelers on what to do if they get sick with certain symptoms within 14 days after arriving.

“To best protect the public, we must vigorously monitor the coronavirus and take commonsense steps to prevent the spread,” said Dingell. “Since first reports, I have been monitoring the situation and asking critical questions of CDC and relevant agencies. As a large international airport I was concerned about passengers at Detroit Metro airport, and I’m pleased to see CDC taking proactive steps to screen all passengers from the affected areas and educate them on what steps to take if they start exhibiting symptoms.”

Dingell continued, “Coronavirus is scary, but the flu and other seasonal viruses remain more of a threat to Americans. Now is the time for everyone to be diligent. People should use commonsense such as washing their hands frequently – if soap and warm water are not available, then use alcohol-based hand sanitizer – and staying home when they aren’t feeling well. Together we can protect our communities and save lives.”

Last week, Dingell asked the CDC for an update on coronavirus screenings at international airports such as Detroit Metro. On Thursday, CDC will brief members of the Energy and Commerce Committee on their efforts to prevent the spread of the virus.

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