Coronavirus in NY: Passenger on JetBlue flight from JFK tests positive

Get our headlines on WHATSAPP: 1) Save +1 (869) 665-9125 to your contact list. 2) Send a WhatsApp message to that number so we can add you 3) Send your news, photos/videos to times.caribbean@gmail.com

By Yaron Steinbuch

March 12, 2020 | 7:05am | UpdatedEnlarge Image

Jet Blue plane

Getty Images

A passenger on a JetBlue flight from JFK Airport has tested positive for the coronavirus after landing in Palm Beach, Florida, according to reports.

Flight 253, with 114 passengers and crew aboard, landed at Palm Beach International Airport shortly before 9 p.m. Wednesday but remained on the tarmac for about three hours, according to WPTV.

One of the passengers told the station that a man near him was taken to the back of the aircraft.

“He was wearing masks and gloves. His wife was sitting in the same row as me and mentioned to others that he wasn’t feeling well,” Scott Rodman said.

“She said he had gotten a phone call with his test results right before we had taken off, implying that he had a positive test but not actually saying it,” he added.

Just before 11 p.m., two people wearing masks and gloves were seen walking off the plane, WPBF reported. About a half-hour later, the rest of the passengers were allowed off.

Palm Beach Fire Rescue officials told WPTV that the Florida Department of Health had spoken with all the passengers and that the isolated area were they deplaned was being sterilized.

Passengers who had been sitting near the infected flier also were give instructions to monitor their conditions.

It was unclear how officials determined that the man was infected.

A message left with JetBlue on Thursday morning was not immediately returned.

Leave a comment

Social Share Buttons and Icons powered by Ultimatelysocial
error

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)