Passengers Wait in Line for Hours at 'Funnel' Airports for Coronavirus Screenings

Increased medical screenings caused congestion in the few US airports still receiving travelers from Europe, including Newark Liberty International in New Jersey, where passengers reported long wait times to clear customs on Sunday, March 15.

Only 13 American “funnel” airports continued receiving European passengers amid the COVID-19 pandemic in an official effort to screen passengers upon re-entry, US President Donald Trump announced Friday. Passengers returning from Europe would have their temperatures taken and would be asked questions about their travel and symptoms, if any.

The hasty measures overwhelmed airports like John F Kennedy, Chicago O’Hare, and Dallas Fort Worth over the weekend.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Acting Secretary Chad Wolf tweeted, “Right now we are working to add additional screening capacity and working with the airlines to expedite the process. I understand this is very stressful. In these unprecedented times, we ask for your patience.”

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka reported the city’s first confirmed case of coronavirus at a press conference on Sunday and announced the closure of all Newark schools.

This video, filmed by a passenger arriving from Montego Bay, Jamaica, shows the crowded scene at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey on Sunday night. Credit: @thatmom15 via Storyful