MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, FLA. (WSVN) - Passengers at Miami International Airport weighed in on the latest expansion of the travel ban into the United States due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Starting Monday at midnight, the United Kingdom and Ireland will be added to the list of countries on the European travel ban list.
Travelers at MIA who spoke to 7News on Sunday said they are grappling with the succession of changes as COVID-19 cases continue to rise around the world.
“Yes, yes, its a crazy thing,” said a traveler who flew out to London.
Last week, President Donald Trump put a stop to foreign travelers coming to the United States from most European countries. Americans, however, can still come back from those countries.
The traveler who flew out to London to MIA said she understands the decision, but hopes it’s just a precaution.
“I hope it’s not too much of a problem,” she said.
Governor Ron DeSantis addressed the possibility of some domestic flights being cancelled.
“I think having them restricted is good as well,” said DeSantis. “You have certain hot spots, and there’s only a few of them, you know I think Washington state has some, Northern California, New York City, those are some. So I think that they should think about that.”
This latest development is happening as American Airlines announced it would be cutting international flights from the U.S. by 75%.
“It’s tough, but there is no other way to do it,” said traveler Rigo Cordova.
The cuts that are going into effect on Monday are in response to a decrease in demand and the travel restrictions in place.
Florida’s Surgeon General Scott Rivkees advised people who are traveling from hot spots to be cautious.
“Please practice social distancing,” said Rivkees. “Avoid being around the elderly.”
Cordova, who flew into South Florida from Chile, said he had to cut his family vacation short after hearing the news.
“I think that 75% is going to increase in the next days,” he said.
Over at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, a Transportation Security Administration agent tested positive for COVID-19, the agency said.
In a statement released on Sunday, a TSA official said the affected officer is being treated, and all employees that person came in contact with over the last two weeks are self-isolating at home.
As far as the European travel ban goes, MIA is one of 13 airports across the country that are still accepting flights from Europe carrying American citizens.
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