U.S. to Expand Screenings for Wuhan Coronavirus

But the agency also oversees a comprehensive quarantine system, which includes permanent quarantine stations at 20 airports and land border crossings, which are staffed with medical officers who routinely screen sick passengers and decide whether they can enter the United States.

Those stations will be equipped and staffed to perform screenings specifically for the Wuhan coronavirus, officials said at the briefing.

“Americans should know this is a potentially very serious public health threat, but at this point Americans should not worry for their own safety,” Alex M. Azar, secretary of health and human services, said at the briefing. “This is a very fast-moving, constantly changing situation.”

“All options have to be on the table, including travel restrictions,” he added. “But diseases are not terribly good at respecting borders.”

Mr. Azar said federal officials offered to send a C.D.C. team to China to assist with research and containment efforts. The offer was reiterated on Monday, but has not been accepted by Chinese authorities.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/28/health/airports-screening-coronavirus.html?emc=rss&partner=rss