On Wednesday night, a man flew from JFK airport to Palm Beach on JetBlue. The passenger, in his 70’s, tested for the Coronavirus and was awaiting the results before being boarded the flight. But since he failed to disclose that information, he’s been banned from JetBlue indefinitely.
Florida Department of Health Palm Beach Director Alina Alonso told The Sun Sentinel that he is now one of the confirmed cases in the county.
“The health and safety of our customers and crewmembers is our first priority. In reviewing last night’s event, we determined the customer boarded our flight knowing he was awaiting results for a coronavirus test without disclosing it to anyone at JetBlue. Consistent with CDC guidance, we ask all customers who are not feeling well, who believe they may have coronavirus, or who are awaiting test results to avoid travel until they are cleared by a medical professional.
Last night’s event put our crewmembers, customers, and federal and local officials in an unsettling situation that could have easily been avoided, and as such, this customer will not be permitted to fly on JetBlue in the future.”
JetBlue
Not only he is banned for life from flying on the airline, but Palm Beach County is also exploring pressing criminal charges against him.
After the plane landed in Palm Beach, a Fire Rescue spokesman told WPEC that the other passengers were monitored before they were allowed to go home. If they had any medical concerns they were advised to call the health department.
JetBlue sanitized the aircraft and the common areas at both airports. Palm Beach International Airport closed off the concourse, where the airplane landed, to be sterilized. That part of the airport is expected to open on Sunday.
