UPDATE 03/16/20 10:30 AM: The following is the process for arriving international passengers at Washington Dulles International Airport regarding screening for the COVID-19 coronavirus:
As of 11:59 p.m. on March 13, passengers arriving at Dulles International from the Schengen Area of Europe are being taken via Mobile Lounge from their aircraft to a screening area, where they are being screened by Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and U.S. Department of Homeland Security staff for COVID-19.
Asymptomatic passengers who have been cleared for travel continue on to the international arrivals building, where they go through the U.S. Customs and Immigration process.
Passengers who are displaying symptoms or require further medical attention are taken to a secondary screening area for further evaluation by CDC.
To help accommodate the process at peak times, some passengers may be held on their aircraft for a short time, which allows them to remain seated rather than standing in line in the screening area.
The airport continues to work closely with federal officials on this process and appreciates everyone's patience during this time.
UPDATE 03/12/20 8:30 AM: Travel restrictions between the U.S. and Europe were recently announced due to coronavirus, effective March 13 at midnight. Please consult with your airline if you have European travel planned.
The safety and well-being of our customers and employees at Dulles International Airport is our top priority.
The airport continues to monitor the situation surrounding the COVID-19 coronavirus and remains in close coordination with our federal partners at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Transportation Security Administration and our state and local health departments and emergency management agencies in preparedness activities related to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
We are following all CDC-recommended protocols for cleaning the airport, including wiping down surfaces and cleaning bathrooms, and have shared with our employees important information provided by the CDC about the virus and following the CDC’s recommendations on healthy habits, such as hand-washing and covering your cough.
For additional information about the COVID-19 coronavirus from the CDC, please visit coronavirus.gov.
At The Airport
Dulles International Airport follows the guidance provided by public health experts at the federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Virginia Department of Health. In addition to supporting federal agencies that operate at the airport, we are:
- Increasing our use of disinfectant and cleaning in what we call “high touch” areas at the airport, like handrails, escalators, elevator buttons, restroom doors, etc.
- Coordinating with our airline and tenant partners, passengers and employees to closely monitor any change in the status of our region’s health and to ensure awareness of interagency protocols for handling infectious diseases.
- Encouraging passengers who are booked on flights that may be impacted by the recent travel restrictions announced on March 11 to contact their airline directly for more information. Flight cancellations and schedule adjustments are made by the airlines.
- Announcing updates and changes to the status of airport amenities, as follows:
- Until further notice, the USO Lounge at Dulles International Airport is closed.
How You Can Stay Healthy
Public health officials recommend personal hygiene and frequent hand washing as the best way to prevent illness.
- Wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick and stay home when sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- If you are travelling overseas, follow the CDC's guidance.
- Check-in with your airline if you have questions about your travel itinerary.
Resources
Information about the novel coronavirus is updated frequently; check the following resources for the most up-to-date information:
- CDC web page on COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- Virginia Department of Health: http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/surveillance-and-investigation/novel-coronavirus/
- Maryland Department of Health: https://phpa.health.maryland.gov/Pages/Novel-coronavirus.aspx
- District of Columbia Department of Health: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/
- West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources: https://dhhr.wv.gov/Coronavirus%20Disease-COVID-19/Pages/Community.aspx