WASHINGTON — Changes are taking place at two D.C. area airports concerned about the spread of coronavirus.
The Centers for Disease Control said Wednesday that it's "closely monitoring" the respiratory illness after an outbreak was first detected in Wuhan, China. Five patients in the United States have tested positive for coronavirus, according to CDC data updated Wednesday.
United Airlines announced Wednesday morning that it's canceling a dozen flights between Dulles International Airport and Beijing Capital Airport. The flights were scheduled between Feb. 1 and Feb. 8, according to a statement by the airline.
"Due to a significant decline in demand for travel to China, we are suspending some flights between our hub cities and Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai," the statement said. "We will continue to monitor the situation as it develops and will adjust our schedule as needed."
The CDC said it runs a quarantine station at Dulles, one of 20 such airport outposts where CDC officials said it would start enhanced screening for coronavirus.
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Maryland officials said Wednesday that one person in the state has met the criteria for testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but said that person is in "good condition." State officials underscored in a news release that there have been no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Maryland.
Even still, Governor Larry Hogan said, "the state is taking every precaution to prepare and mobilize whatever resources are necessary to address the coronavirus."
Hogan said that the state health officials is coordinating with BWI Airport "on protocols for incoming flights, as well as signage and notifications for travelers."