Myrtle Beach Airport starts temperature screenings for passengers amid coronavirus outbreak
Passengers arriving to Myrtle Beach International Airport from areas heavily impacted by the coronavirus will now undergo temperature screenings, according to a news release.
Horry County Department of Airports announced the change in protocol will be effective immediately, but didn’t cite any specific places of travel other than heavily impacted, metropolitan areas that will be targeted for screenings. Horry County Spokesperson Thomas Bell added the voluntary screenings would take place upon exiting the aircraft.
“Voluntary temperature screenings of passengers arriving on direct flights from heavily impacted areas will occur immediately upon exiting the aircraft,” Bell said. “It isn’t mandated but passengers have been receptive to it.”
In response to COVID-19, the airport will continue increased cleaning schedules, while placing hand sanitizing stations in high-traffic areas, the release states. Gov. Henry McMaster in a tweet Wednesday afternoon also requested all out of state visitors planning a stay of two or more nights to self quarantine for two weeks immediately upon arrival.
However, with 19 confirmed cases of coronavirus reported in Horry County, with the county’s first coronavirus-related death announced Tuesday night, and flights still arriving from high-impacted places like New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Georgia, the airport will remain open for travel.
New York currently has 30,611 coronavirus cases with 5,000 new cases announced Wednesday morning.
Horry County Department of Airports will continue to monitor any changes and work with airlines and government agencies in handling operations for its passengers, the release states. As this situation is constantly evolving, passengers are encouraged to check with their airlines regarding the status of their travel plans.
This story was originally published March 25, 2020 at 11:29 AM.
