A passenger has been banned for life after flying despite waiting for his coronavirus test, which came back positive.
The unnamed traveller flew with JetBlue from New York to Florida on Thursday (local time). When the flight touched down, the man announced his test results had come back and he had the virus.
The crew and 114 passengers were stuck on the plane for hours as Palm Beach authorities spoke to all passengers on board.
"Passengers in the vicinity of the positive patient were advised of monitoring procedures. The rest of the passengers were released to go home and given directions... to call the health department with any medical concerns," says Captain Albert Borroto of the Palm Beach Fire and Rescue, which responded to the event.
JetBlue says the passenger flew on the plane despite "knowing he was awaiting results" and it will take action against passengers who put crew and customers at risk.
"Last night's event put our crewmembers, customers, and federal and local officials in an unsettling situation that could have easily been avoided, and as such, this customer will not be permitted to fly on JetBlue in the future," read its statement.
Customers who do not feel well, or believe they may have COVID-19, should not travel until it's confirmed they do not have it.
"The health and safety of our customers and crew members is our top priority," JetBlue added.
"We're asking customers who do not feel well or are concerned they may have coronavirus to not fly until cleared to travel by a doctor or health professional."
