US airports have been thrown into chaos as new coronavirus health screening measures for people returning from Europe are brought into force.
Long queues formed as travellers waited for hours for the screenings before passing through customs.
Earlier, Vice-President Mike Pence said a ban imposed on travel from European nations would be extended to the UK and Ireland on Tuesday.
The US has more than 2,700 confirmed cases, with 54 deaths.
Illinois governor JB Pritzker said the long lines at Chicago's O'Hare airport were "unacceptable".
The crowds & lines O’Hare are unacceptable & need to be addressed immediately.@realDonaldTrump @VP since this is the only communication medium you pay attention to—you need to do something NOW.
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) March 15, 2020
These crowds are waiting to get through customs which is under federal jurisdiction
People have been tweeting pictures and videos of passengers waiting to be processed, forming large crowds in airport terminals:
Right now at O’Hare airport in Chicago:
— Terrence Daniels (Captain Planet) (@Terrence_STR) March 15, 2020
Thousands of people are waiting for hours due to “enhanced #CoronaVirus screening" procedures...
This is not good, Trump has literally created a perfect storm to transmit #COVID19. Don’t even know where to start with this one.#Chicago pic.twitter.com/fOUQZfqxX7
Passengers are being questioned about their medical histories and checked for symptoms.
Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said his office was working with airlines to improve screening times.
Latest Stories
-
Paris 2024: Opening ceremony showcases grandiose celebration of French culture and diversity
3 hours -
How decline of Indian vultures led to 500,000 human deaths
4 hours -
Paris 2024: Ghana rocks ‘fabulous fugu’ at olympics opening ceremony
4 hours -
Trust Hospital faces financial strain with rising debt levels – Auditor-General’s report
5 hours -
Electrochem lease: Allocate portions of land to Songor people – Resident demand
5 hours -
82 widows receive financial aid from Chayil Foundation
5 hours -
The silent struggles: Female journalists grapple with Ghana’s high cost of living
5 hours -
BoG yet to make any payment to Service Ghana Auto Group
5 hours -
‘Crushed Young’: The Multimedia Group, JL Properties surprise accident victim’s family with fully-furnished apartment
6 hours -
Asante Kotoko needs structure that would outlive any administration – Opoku Nti
6 hours -
JoyNews exposé on Customs officials demanding bribes airs on July 29
7 hours -
JoyNews Impact Maker Awardee ships first consignment of honey from Kwahu Afram Plains
8 hours -
Joint committee under fire over report on salt mining lease granted Electrochem
8 hours -
Life Lounge with Edem Knight-Tay: Don’t be beaten the third time
8 hours -
Pro-NPP group launched to help ‘Break the 8’
9 hours