NEWS
100 American Airlines Flight Attendants Diagnosed with Coronavirus
Source: AP
A union representing American Airlines cabin crew says approximately 100 flight attendants for the airline have tested positive for coronavirus.
According to CNN, the union – which represents around 27,000 flight attendants – disclosed the information in a message to its membership, sharing American Airlines has “agreed to start providing masks for frontline team members while at work” should they choose to wear one. The union revealed the masks will be distributed this week.
We have consistently advocated for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for all of our flight attendants to be available on every aircraft, for social distancing between passengers and crew jump seats, for thermal scanning in the airports, and to receive immediate notification of flight attendants who have tested positive for the virus,” APFA president Julie Hedrick told CNN. “Flight attendants are aviation’s first responders, who are transporting medical personnel and supplies into COVID-19 hotspots, and they need to be treated and protected as such.”
American Airlines released a statement, saying, “The safety of our customers and team members is our top priority. We are in close contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and public health officials and are coordinating with them on any required health and safety related measures. We continue to look at all ways we can care — and protect — our team during this stressful time.”
