U.S.A. — Action News Jax spotted travelers inside the Jacksonville International Airport wearing face masks and gloves Monday to keep from spreading germs.
Robert and Jane Hylland are traveling to Jacksonville from Michigan.
Robert says he specializes in diagnosing and treating arthritis and other autoimmune diseases, so keeping his hands clean is important.
“We thought that might make the most common sense, I’m actually a rheumatologist and I don’t want to bring anything back to my patients in Michigan when we’re done traveling,” Robert said.
But passengers aren't the only ones concerned.
The Florida Department of Health initially said Monday morning that it is advising all individuals who have traveled internationally to self-isolate for 14 days after returning to the U.S.
The department later clarified, saying that the advisory only applied to travelers returning from China, South Korea, Italy and Iran, per the CDC guidelines.
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It’s something Nick Scotto says needs to happen to keep everyone safe
“I’m not too scared but I’m aware,” Scotto said.
Health officials say passengers returning from those countries should also practice social distancing, which includes avoiding going out in public.
“I think it’s important because of personal sanitation,” Scotto added.
“There are just a lot of things we don’t know, for example if this is a seasonal virus. It’s something we will certainly get a vaccine for eventually,” said Robert.
A JIA spokesman sent Action News Jax this statement, that reads in part:
“The Jacksonville Aviation Authority is working closely with subject matter experts at the CDC and the Department of Health to monitor the situation. Travelers will see additional hand sanitizing stations throughout the terminal. Janitorial staff are performing additional cleaning of high-touch areas throughout the terminal,” said JIA spokesman Greg Willis.
The Florida Department of Health is advising all individuals who have traveled internationally to follow the new CDC guidelines, summarized below:
· Level 3: Mandatory 14-day self-isolation and practice social distancing upon return to the United States. Social distancing includes avoiding going out in public and close personal interactions. If you become symptomatic, immediately self-isolate and contact your county health department or health care provider.
·
· Level 2 and Cruises: Monitor your health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning to the United States. If you become symptomatic, immediately self-isolate and contact your county health department or health care provider.
· For more information regarding current CDC travel advisories related to COVID-19, visit the CDC website.
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