Daytona Beach, FL - Daytona Beach International Airport joins seven of Florida’s large and medium airports – Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Fort Myers in screening passengers from so-called "hot zones," New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Louisiana.
The screening at DAB began Sunday (March 29). “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.”
DAB's screening process is consistent with FDOT guidelines. It 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.”
Though there is only one weekly flight from direct flight to and from LaGuardia Airport through American Airlines, airline passengers from the New York Tri-State area and Louisiana can still travel to Florida on connecting flights through Atlanta and Charlotte.
Twenty-seven forms have been received on behalf of those individuals and families arriving from those areas of substantial community spread since the process began.
