President Trump weighed in Sunday on the airport screening delays amid the coronavirus outbreak, saying “We must get it right.”
Trump in a Sunday tweet encouraged people to “pardon the interruptions and delays” as the government is conducting “very precise Medical Screenings.”
“We are doing very precise Medical Screenings at our airports,” he said. “Pardon the interruptions and delays, we are moving as quickly as possible, but it is very important that we be vigilant and careful.”
“We must get it right. Safety first!”
Long lines were reported at multiple U.S. airports as stepped up mandatory coronavirus screening collided with a crush of travelers racing to the U.S. amid advisories against traveling and after the announcement of a travel ban from Europe for non-U.S. residents. In particular, returning travelers at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago were waiting for up to four hours.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzeker (D) called out Trump in a tweet Saturday saying the wait times were “unacceptable & need to be addressed immediately.”
Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) also slammed the Trump administration for the screening process.
Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf responded to the crowds, saying the department was working on increasing the screening capabilities.
“I understand this is very stressful. In these unprecedented times, we ask for your patience,” he tweeted.
The administration has required these medical screenings for any international travelers. At the same time, public health experts have warned people to practice “social distancing” and avoid large crowds.