The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol are also taking precautions to protect people from the coronavirus, according to a press release from the regional office.

“U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s highest priority is to ensure the health, safety and security of our workforce and the American people,” according to the release. “CBP agents and officers will maintain situational awareness while identifying individuals who have traveled from or transited through countries affected by COVID-19.

“Currently all CBP ports of entry are following the same operational guidance as issued by the January 31 and February 29 Presidential Proclamations and the Department of Homeland Security. If CBP observes a traveler with symptoms of COVID-19, we will refer them to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for enhanced health screening. CDC personnel are responsible for the enhanced health screening of travelers in all locations nationwide. The CDC makes any determination from there as to whether any additional measures must be taken.

“Also consistent with existing CBP procedures, individuals apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol between our ports of entry with symptoms of illness are referred to the CDC or local health officials for additional health screening. Additionally, all persons in U.S. Border Patrol custody who meet the CDC’s COVID-19 travel history and enhanced screening guidelines are being referred to CDC for additional screening. U.S. Border Patrol takes all necessary precautions to ensure that no communicable diseases are spread across populations in custody.”

“CBP has issued guidance to all employees that outlines the current comprehensive use of Personal Protective Equipment including guidance regarding wearing masks in the appropriate circumstances (using a risk-based approach). CBP has also issued sanitary guidance to its facilities to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.”