The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) efforts in preparedness and readiness have facilitated a speedy, whole-of-government response in confronting COVID-19, keeping Americans safe, and helping detect and slow the spread of the virus.
As part of Department-wide, layered response, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the DHS Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and others are actively working to protect the nation.
CBP and CWMD are providing direct support to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) efforts by conducting enhanced health screening at 11 major airports. At and between all air, land and sea Ports of Entry (POEs), CBP Officers (CBPOs) and Border Patrol Agents (BPAs) continue to identify and refer individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 or a travel history to China or Iran in the past 14 days to CDC or local public health officials for enhanced health screening. DHS CWMD houses the Department's Chief Medical Officer.
The routing of all flights with passengers who have recently been in China and Iran through select airports with established resources, procedures and personnel is an important, prudent step DHS is taking actively to decrease the strain on public health officials screening incoming travelers and protect the American public. Read More →
