HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- After several confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the Houston-area, many people have become concerned about their health and safety in public spaces.
The following are statements from popular local and national businesses regarding the virus:
MUSEUMS/ZOOS
Houston Zoo
Houston Museum of Natural Science
"The museum has installed additional hand sanitizer stations throughout our facility. But our policy (as a museum and public place) is to clean and disinfect daily. We hope that visitors do utilize the sanitizers and restrooms (to wash hands) but, at this time, the museum is continuing daily operations as usual."
Children's Museum of Houston
"Although we don't have new policies or restrictions at Children's Museum Houston, we continue to follow rigorous cleanliness practices which are always in place. Here's a statement which includes what we do to maintain a germ-free environment....
The health and safety of our visitors and staff is of utmost importance at Children's Museum Houston.
We have been communicating with the City of Houston Health Department specifically about Coronavirus and are monitoring daily information coming from the Centers for Disease Control and other trusted sources, including Association of Children's Museum, Association of Science and Technology Centers, and others. We are committed to providing a clean and safe environment and continue to follow a strict set of guidelines for cleanliness:
1. We have a full-time cleaning staff actively cleaning exhibits, restrooms, galleries and all hands-on items and surfaces throughout the day, using a bleach and water solution recommended for schools.
2. We circulate the air in the building constantly in order to provide fresh air.
3. Deep cleaning takes place every night after we are closed.
4. Signs are displayed in admissions, information booth, and on all restroom mirrors to give information on how to wash your hands thoroughly; 20 seconds of active washing is required.
5. School and other groups are required to provide signed confirmation that no student on a tour is ill.
6. Antimicrobial carpet is used in places where children are encouraged to play on the floor.
7. Staff is required to consistently wash hands while on duty, and before and after breaks.
8. Staff is provided with free flu shots before flu season begins.
9. We encourage staff to stay home when sick.
10. Signs are posted in the lobby asking people who might feel ill to leave the Museum and to visit another day.
11. We hope visitors wash their hands frequently and use the hand sanitizers available between washings."
DELIVERY/RIDESHARE SERVICES:
Uber:
STORES/GROCERS
Walgreens:
"We are continually monitoring the situation, and are committed to taking the most appropriate steps necessary, in the best interest of our team members and customers, while following the guidance of the CDC and other health officials.
Working closely with our clinical and safety teams, we are continuously providing our pharmacy teams with the latest information available from the CDC and other health officials in order to serve as a resource for customers and to help address any questions and concerns."
HEB:
"At H-E-B, our top priority is taking care of Texas. While the emergence of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is an evolving situation with many unknowns, we are sure of one thing: We will do our part to help our fellow Texans prepare. As a state, we can help slow the spread of the virus by working together. H-E-B is prepared to help our fellow Texans in any situation our company and communities might face. Below are some of the things we're doing to help:Walmart:
CRUISES/TRIPS/TRAVEL/AIRLINES
Carnival Cruise Line
"Carnival Cruise Line has issued updated screening protocols and enhanced measures for the health and well-being of its guests and crew as it relates to COVID-19 (coronavirus). These include enhanced screening procedures for guests who have traveled to certain restricted countries, taking all guest and crew temperatures prior to embarkation, measures we are taking in our cruise terminals and rigorous sanitizing procedures on our ships, along with tips for our guests to stay healthy onboard."
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
"At Southwest, the Safety of our Customers and Employees is our uncompromising priority, and we are closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVOID-19). We are engaging daily with medical professionals, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and other government agencies as the situation evolves. Southwest has not cancelled or suspended any flights or routes due to the current situation, and none of the 102 destinations that Southwest serves are currently listed as geographic risks by the CDC.
Of course, should any occur, we will quickly announce any adjustments to our procedures or operations so that you can maintain confidence in your travel booked with Southwest Airlines.
Aircraft Cleaning and Cabin Environment
Southwest Airlines aircraft are maintained in accordance with an established program aimed at providing a clean and inviting cabin environment. In addition to tidying each aircraft between flights, we spend more than six hours cleaning each aircraft every night. And, as of March 4, 2020, we have enhanced our overnight cleaning procedures. Typically, we use an EPA approved, hospital-grade disinfectant in the lavatories and an interior cleaner in the cabin. Now, we are expanding the use of the hospital-grade disinfectant throughout the aircraft, and it will be used in the cabin, on elements in the flight deck, and in the lavatory. These procedures meet or exceed recommendations from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Additionally, we equip all our aircraft with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, which filters out recirculated air onboard each plane to remove airborne particles. HEPA filters are also used in hospitals to provide patients with clean air.
Change and Cancellation Fee Policies
Southwest Airlines never charges Customers a fee to change or cancel their flight. If a Customer's plans change, or they decide they no longer want to travel, the funds used to pay for their flight can be applied to future travel - as long as they cancel their flight at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. The funds are valid for future travel up to one year from the original purchase date and must be used by the individual named on the ticket. More information on policies related to travel funds can be found on Southwest.com. We hope these policies provide our Customers with flexibility and peace of mind as they plan their travel.
Personal Safety Recommendations
We recommend the CDC's website as a resource for ways that Customers can best protect themselves from becoming ill. Additionally, Customers are encouraged to wash their hands frequently and use hand sanitizer and/or anti-bacterial wipes when traveling.
Ongoing Updates
As we make any changes to our operations or procedures we will keep this page updated with the most current information. It will remain available via our homepage at www.southwest.com."
United Airlines:
"The impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak continues to evolve rapidly. The safety of our customers and employees is and always will be our top priority.
Our teams are in daily contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), federal agencies and other global health organizations to share the most up-to-the-minute information. What's more, United has a team of in-house professionals, including an industrial hygienist who reviews and tests cleaning products and a corporate medical team who are working around the clock. United also partners with International SOS/MedAire, an organization that gives all employees ready access to an emergency department doctor for advice and assistance when they are on business outside their home country.
The dynamic nature of this outbreak requires us to be nimble and flexible in how we respond, provide service and protect our customers and employees. Here are some of the ways we are taking action - we'll continue to update this post periodically as new details are available.
Change fee waiver
We're waiving change fees for any bookings - domestic and international - made between March 3 and March 31, 2020.
The waiver applies to all tickets, all fare types, all destinations, all points-of-sale and all travel dates available for sale.
For more information visit https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/travel/notices.html.
Aircraft cleaning
All aircraft are cleaned at a variety of touchpoints throughout the day.
The cleaning procedure for flights includes a thorough wipe-down of all hard surfaces touched by customers and employees - including lavatories, galleys, tray tables, window shades and armrests.
United uses an effective, high-grade disinfectant and multi-purpose cleaner.
When we are advised by the CDC of an employee or customer who has traveled onboard and who is potentially exhibiting coronavirus symptoms, that aircraft is taken out of service and sent through a full decontamination process that includes our standard cleaning procedures plus washing ceilings and overhead bins and scrubbing the interior.
United aircraft are equipped with state-of-the-art circulation systems, similar to those found in hospitals, which use a high-efficiency (HEPA) filter to circulate the air and removes up to 99.7% of airborne particles.
Soon, we will start using an electrostatic fogger to disinfect the air and surfaces within the cabin on all international arrivals into our U.S. Hubs, Honolulu and Guam.
In flight
To limit person-to-person contamination, we have instituted the following procedures on board:
We have stopped refilling used cups and glasses in all cabins. If a customer requests a refill, our flight attendants will provide a new cup or glass.
Customers may now see flight attendants wearing gloves during food and beverage service as well as during pickup, in all cabins.
Our flight attendants will hand all beverages directly to the customer, instead of allowing the customer to take their own from the tray.
All tableware, dishes, cutlery, carts and glassware are washed and sanitized.
We've added supplies for our crews on segments flown to Alert Level 2 zones* and upward: gloves, masks, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, Sani-Com wipes, foaming hand soap, and disinfectant wipes as supply becomes available.
*Alert Level 2 zones, as defined by the CDC, can be found here.
In airports
Providing hand sanitizer for use in our crew and break rooms, lounges and gates
Ensuring regular disinfection of common surfaces inside our airport terminals
What you can do
According to the CDC, the National Safety Council, and the WHO:
Wash your hands often - and thoroughly - with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content is a good secondary option
Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes with unwashed hands
Use gloves and masks as needed
Get a flu shot if you haven't already
If you're sick - stay home
How to stay informed
For more detailed information about COVID-19, how it spreads and prevention and treatment please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
Also, the CDC has updated their country index page where you can find up-to-date COVID-19 risk assessments by country."
American Airlines:
Delta Airlines
Jetblue Airlines
"JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU) today announced it will suspend change and cancel fees for new flight bookings starting tomorrow, February 27, through March 11, 2020, for travel completed by June 1, 2020*. The policy is designed to give customers confidence that they will not be charged any JetBlue fees for changes or cancellations later given evolving coronavirus concerns. The move will apply to all fares offered by JetBlue, including Blue Basic, which generally does not allow for any changes or cancellations. Flights booked through JetBlue Vacations will also be allowed changes or cancellations with no fees.
"While authorities have not issued any travel restrictions to the locations we fly, we want to give our customers some peace of mind that we are ready to support them should the situation change," said Joanna Geraghty, president and chief operating officer, JetBlue. "Given our mission is to inspire humanity, we felt this suspension was an important way to live up to our crewmember and customer expectations during this uncertain time. We are committed to the health and safety of both our crewmembers and customers, and we are working directly with health and security officials as well as industry leaders for updates and best practices."
Customers who book in the next two weeks will receive a full travel credit should they need to cancel their trip, and customers who wish to change their plans can apply the full amount from their original booking to a different itinerary, although fare differences may apply. Customers who have bought a package through JetBlue Vacations can contact JetBlue to understand the cancel and change policies for rental cars, hotels, and other travel products that are part of their package.
JetBlue is taking measures aligned with the recommendations of global health authorities and has activated its pandemic response team, which is monitoring the situation in real time and working with key stakeholders to determine any further action. The airline is also promoting handwashing and healthy hygiene practices among its crewmembers and continuing to ensure compliance with aircraft cleaning procedures. Customers who want to understand what precautions they can take, should visit cdc.gov/coronavirus."
Alaska Airlines:
"We've been fielding questions from guests and employees alike about air quality onboard aircraft. While Dr. John Lynch, one of our University of Washington medical directors, has advised coronavirus is not thought to be airborne, our planes are equipped with systems that contain two HEPA, or High Efficiency Particulate Air filters. They're the same kind of filters found in hospital operating rooms.
"It's not a self-contained tube with the same air for a six-hour flight," said Constance von Muehlen, senior vice president of maintenance & engineering. "The air in a cabin comes from the top and flows out from your feet. In fact, there's a large portion of air that comes directly from outside. Within a three-minute period you get completely new air in the entire cabin."
If guests want more filtered air, they can simply open the vent above them. It's important to note that the flight deck, galley areas, and lavatories get air directly from outside the aircraft. That air also gets directly exhausted outside.
Alaska Airlines has one of the newest fleets in the country which ensures our planes have the latest filtration technology in use. Our filters are changed according to manufacturer guidelines.
Studies have shown due to the frequency of cabin air recirculation, that the air onboard planes can be better than the air found in many office buildings."
Hawaiian Airlines:
"Hawaiian Airlines today announced it would adjust flight frequencies between Hawai'i and Tokyo's Haneda Airport (HND) at the end of March due to slowing travel demand attributed to the COVID-19 virus.
Effective March 28 through April 29, the airline will temporarily suspend flights that operate three-times-weekly between Kona International Airport (KOA) on the Island of Hawai'i and HND, and four-times-weekly between Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) and HND. At the same time, "Hawaiian will launch an additional daily nonstop service between HNL and HND as announced in November of last year.
'Japan is a vitally important market for our airline, and we have been looking forward to launching our third nonstop flight between Honolulu and Haneda, which offers more convenient connecting times for our guests," said Peter Ingram, president and CEO at Hawaiian Airlines. "Unfortunately, the spread of COVID-19 beyond Asia has diminished near-term global travel demand, so we are balancing some of our Haneda capacity by suspending for about a month our hybrid service between Haneda and Honolulu and Kona.'"
Allegiant Airlines
"Allegiant is a domestic carrier and does not serve Europe or Asia. We have not suspended any scheduled flights or routes due to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Allegiant is in constant contact with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), US Department of Homeland Security / TSA and the US Department of Transportation, and they have made no recommendations for domestic airlines to alter service at this time.
Customers with reservations may request a one-time change to their travel plans without incurring change / cancel fees. To make changes to your reservation, please contact our Customer Care Service Center at 702-505-8888. You may also contact us via email at Customer.Relations@allegiantair.com or our social media on Twitter @allegiant or Facebook @allegiant for assistance."
HEALTHCARE FACILITIES
Regional Health Care Institutions
Regional health care providers in the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world, are now working together to implement measures that can decrease transmission of the coronavirus.
The institutions are calling on anyone visiting a hospital or health care site to consider the following:
MD Anderson
MD Anderson will start screening patients and visitors for COVID-19 symptoms at six of its locations starting Friday.
Memorial Hermann
"Memorial Hermann continues to take proactive steps to protect our employees, physician partners, patients and community by implementing a workforce protocol based on CDC guidelines. This protocol includes screening members of our workforce who have traveled to affected areas, per the CDC, within the applicable time period, or who have had contact with someone who is under investigation for COVID-19 or has been confirmed with the virus. Based on screening results, we will then provide information on immediate next-level care or mandatory leave for employees for up to 14 days, as necessary."
HCA Houston Healthcare
In response to several positive novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the greater Houston area, HCA Houston Healthcare has initiated new visitor policies at its 13 hospitals to safeguard staff and patients at each facility.