Posted On: April 1, 2020
Airport implements flight screening for inbound passengers
Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) has implemented screening procedures for passengers arriving from COVID-19 hot spots as part of Gov. Ron DeSantis’s Executive Orders 20-80 and 20-86, which require individuals who departed from an area with substantial community spread to isolate or quarantine for 14 days from their entry into Florida. The governor took this action to curb travel from the hot spot areas, which include New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Louisiana.
The orders have resulted in the implementation of a screening process at seven of Florida’s large and medium airports – Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Fort Myers – under the direction of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). Late Friday, the governor asked smaller airports to assist in screening flights coming in from hot zones to help flatten the curve even though smaller airports are not yet part of the FDOT screening. The screening process at DAB is consistent with FDOT guidance.
“Our airport staff began screening flights on Sunday, after the governor’s request,” said Airport Director Rick Karl. “DAB is the only airport in the state to implement screening of non-direct flights to our area from destinations outlined in the governor’s order.”
“We have a process in place where the airlines make an announcement to passengers before deplaning at DAB, and then once passengers enter the terminal, they are asked by airport staff to complete the screening forms and information as required by the order. Passengers then place the forms in a secured collection box and the forms are provided to the Florida Department of Health.”
Consistent with all other airports in Florida, the screening process includes providing forms and information to passengers arriving from COVID-19 hot spot areas. Passengers are provided with the direction from the executive orders requiring their self-isolation or quarantine for 14 days. If any subsequent violations are reported, law enforcement will investigate.
“I would like to thank Rep. Tom Leek, Halifax Health Medical Center and the Volusia Sheriff’s Office for offering their assistance,” said County Manager George Recktenwald. “Special thanks are in order for Daytona Beach International Airport Deputy Director Karen Feaster and her entire staff for putting this process in place so quickly.”
DAB has one weekly direct flight to and from LaGuardia Airport through American Airlines, but both flights for March 28 and April 4 were canceled. Passengers also may arrive from New York’s tri-state area or Louisiana on connecting flights through Atlanta and Charlotte. Since screening procedures went into effect at DAB, 27 forms have been received on behalf of those individuals and families arriving from areas of substantial community spread which include New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Louisiana.
For more information, contact Joanne Magley, director of marketing and customer experience, at jmagley@volusia.org.