The passenger’s wife said he had COVID-related symptoms, officials said.
A United flight was diverted after a passenger suffered a medical emergency and died.
United Flight 591 was diverted to New Orleans on Monday after a male passenger became ill. Paramedics took the person to a local hospital where he died, the carrier said.
According to airline officials, the passenger’s wife told an emergency medical officer that her husband had COVID-related symptoms. Officials have not confirmed whether the passenger was positive for the virus.
Now that the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] contacted us directly, we will share the requested information with the agency so that they can work with local health officials to contact any client the CDC believes may be at risk for potential exposure or infection, “the airline said. a statement.
United requires all of its passengers to complete a “Ready-to-Fly” checklist before checking in for a flight, prompting them to acknowledge that they have not tested positive for COVID-19 and that they have not tested positive for COVID-19 in the past two weeks. have had related symptoms.
“We implore passengers not to travel if they have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or have COVID-related symptoms. When in doubt, the best option is to get tested,” United said.
The remaining passengers on the flight could continue with their travel plans or take a later flight.
“The health and safety of our employees and customers is our highest priority. Therefore, we have implemented several policies and procedures, such as mask mandates and requiring customers to complete a ‘Ready-to-Fly’ checklist before the flight,” United said in a statement. statement.