United Airlines is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to track down the 179 passengers they believed came in contact with a man who died on a flight from Orlando to Los Angeles.
The man reportedly was showing symptoms of coronavirus when he died on the plane.
The man’s family members told United that he had preexisting conditions, including high blood pressure and upper respiratory issues. He was feeling sick in the days leading up to his flight in LA.
Prior to boarding, the man filled out a preflight checklist that stated he was not diagnosed with COVID-19 and didn’t display any related symptoms.
The plane was diverted to New Orleans, and paramedics transported the man to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, United said in a statement.
The man behind me on this flight. DIED. OF COVID. MIDFLIGHT.
— Jo LaFlame (@jobreauxx) December 15, 2020
I have so many questions.
So, what happens now?
At least four flight attendants on the plane are quarantined in Los Angeles for 14 days according to guidelines, as reported in BuzzFeed News.
The CDC is currently working with local health agencies to track down the passengers onboard to see if any further action will be required.
This story is developing.
