1.29.20 – Coronavirus Update

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Coronavirus Update

“With the continued spread of the Coronavirus, I believe our Flight Attendants everywhere should be free to take any precaution necessary to safeguard their health. Nothing is more important than the health and safety of our crew members and passengers.

I have asked American to closely monitor the situation and do everything necessary to protect our crews against this horrible virus.” – APFA National President Lori Bassani

###

APFA’s Health and Safety & Security Departments Chairs, Cathy Sharp and Thomas Houdek have been in close discussions with Dr. Kris Belland. Dr Belland is an Aerospace Medicine and Family Medicine Board Certified physician, past American Airlines Chief Medical Officer and a 38 year US Navy career medical officer with extensive experience in the Pacific Rim and China responding to emerging infectious diseases.

Dr. Belland writes:

Key ways to mitigate risk:   

1. Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water;
2. When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw tissue away immediately and wash hands;
3. Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough;
4. If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early and share previous travel history with your health care provider;
5. When visiting live markets in areas currently experiencing cases of novel coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals;
6. The consumption of raw or under cooked animal products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.

There are ongoing investigations. This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available.

In Unity and Solidarity,

Robin Charbonneau
APFA National Communications Chair