WASHINGTON (7News) — Starting Thursday, some international flights will be rerouted to Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia so passengers can go through screening for Ebola.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that all travelers who have recently been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan will now be required to land at Dulles. That includes U.S. citizens.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin issued the order Wednesday night. It will remain in effect until further notice.
The move comes amid an ongoing Ebola outbreak in parts of Central and East Africa. Ebola is a severe and often fatal disease that spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids.
Health officials said at least 130 people have died in the current outbreak.
SEE ALSO | Risk of Ebola spread regionally ‘high,’ but ‘low’ globally, WHO says
Anyone who has been in those countries within the past 21 days will be subject to the screening at Dulles, the order states. Crew members and cargo-only flights are not included.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) sent 7News the following statement:
“The Airports Authority is working with federal partners to support efforts led by the Centers for Disease Control affecting various international flights arriving at Dulles Airport. This includes providing staff and public safety resources as needed. We are not expecting any significant impacts on airport customers.”
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there are currently no confirmed Ebola cases in the United States, and the overall risk to the public remains low.
Local Story
