THE WORLD READS WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER — 8,324,077 VISITS IN ONE YEAR

WPCNR CORONAVIRUS REPORT. Statement to WPCNR from Scott Pauley, Press Officer, News Media Branch, Division of Public Affairs, Center tor Disease Control. Center for Disease Control. May 21, 2021 UPDATED 4:27 PM EDT :

Current entry screening includes a non-contact temperature check and visual illness inspection administered by the Department of Homeland Security’s CBP personnel.

If a traveler is identified as ill, they are referred to CDC quarantine station staff to do a public health assessment. 

Entry screening is conducted on any traveler returning from a country with a 212F proclamation (China, Iran, Schengen region of Europe, UK, and Ireland).

It would occur at the airport when arriving in U.S. after filling out a Health Declaration Form.

The screening includes all of the countries mentioned, however it should be noted that the European Schengen Area includes the following countries: (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City)

If there are positives, CDC personnel work with the local and state health departments to determine whether the traveler needs to be taken to a healthcare facility, or sent home for 14 self-isolation period monitored by the local and state health department.

For more information on the actual screening process, and the administration of the primary screening procedures, you should reach out the DHS.

Thank you,

Scott Pauley

WPCNR CORONAVIRUS REPORT. From the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. May 21, 2020:

Yesterday, in view of air travel information indicating that there were not coronavirus testing and temperature takings and inquiry about symptoms taking place currently at JFK, WPCNR asked the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey whether or not passengers deplanning from Europe or abroad flights at Newark and JFK airports were currently being questioned for corona virus symptoms or temperatures taken or tested for coronavirus by the Port Authority or the Customs and Immigration Service.

Cal Biez, a spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, said the CDC and the New York State Department of Health should be contacted for this information. Mr. Biez sent the following information on Port Authority sanitary precautions

As part of the Port Authority’s commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of all facility employees, the agency has increased cleanings of restrooms and surfaces frequently touched at the region’s airports, at the Port Authority Bus Terminal, at the George Washington Bridge Bus Station, at the Oculus World Trade Center Transportation Hub, and in the PATH train system.

Enhanced cleaning of public areas and social distancing are two measures that have already been implemented. All areas will be disinfected on a regular basis using EPA-approved and CDC-endorsed disinfectants. For more information please click here. For more info – https://www.panynj.gov/port-authority/en/alerts/coronavirus-updates.html

The Port Authority deployed public health guidance PSAs in terminals and in stations, and have been implementing protocols and policies consistent with guidance provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New Jersey State Department of Health to help prevent spread of COVID-19.  The agency encourages all travelers and employees to make themselves aware of the health and safety protocols established by the CDC and state and local health authorities.

At the airports, the Port Authority has instructed all terminal operators, as well as its partners, to intensify cleaning protocols, including on construction sites. This effort includes increased cleaning of restrooms using EPA-approved and CDC-endorsed cleaning agents and increased wipe down of frequently touched surfaces, such as doors, countertops, handrails on stairs and escalators, elevator cabs and buttons, information kiosks, ticket vending machines, ticket counters, seating areas, charging stations, water fountains, etc., as well as the deployment of hand sanitizer units and reminding workers of COVID19 protocols.  Additionally, hand washing stations are on site in construction areas.

During Port Authority Board Meeting on 4.23.2020 (link to video on PA website here / Facebook link video here), our Executive Director Rick Cotton stated “Protecting the health and safety of our employees continues to be of paramount importance. The Port Authority has implemented the several measures to protect the Agency’s workforce.”

Port Authority Board Meeting 4.23.2020 (PA website here)

Executive Summary by Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton – 12:20

• Facility Operating Volumes – 13:43
• Facility Operating Adjustments to “Work Smart” – 15:26
• Port Authority Workforce Impacts – 18:43
• Employee Health and Safety Measures – 20:30
• Update on Major Construction Projects – Safety – 22.18
• Financial Condition – 23:04
• Federal Support – 24:10