Many companies have started to require people to complete a self-health assessment before entering their establishments. I had to clear one of these checks when going to the Apple Store at the mall to pick up my repaired iMac. It consisted of a security guard pointing at a series of questions on a poster and me replying no to each of them. After a temperature scan, I was allowed to enter the store.
I couldn’t help but think how ridiculous such a screening is. What matter does it make how I answer the questions? If I’m feeling not so well but still get into my car, drive to the mall, check-in and get to the store, haven’t I already shown that I think I’m well enough to enter?
Who gets to this point in the process and thinks, “You know, maybe I have COVID-19 and should just go home and quarantine.”
Why should we think people who have gotten to the point of checking into their flight are going to answer these questions truthfully? Apparently, United Airlines does, because a health questionnaire is now part of the check-in process.
You have to agree with these statements to be able to fly with United:
- Have not been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 21 days
- Have not experienced any of the following symptoms in the past 14 days (excludes symptoms from a pre-existing condition)
- Temperature of 38 C/100.4 F or higher
- Cough
- Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- Sore throat
- Recent loss of taste or smell
- Have not been denied boarding by another airline due to a medical screening for a communicable disease in the last 14 days
- Have not had close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days
It’s not just United who uses these criteria. Cedar Fair also requires guests to their themeparks to do a health self-assessment before entering.
How crazy is it that we’re counting on people telling the truth to keep everyone else safe? Especially the same people who won’t wear a facial covering that could help keep others from getting ill? Who actually thinks this is an effective way to combat a pandemic? Why not just ask everyone before boarding an airplane, “Are you contagious? No? Welcome aboard!”
#stayhealthy #staysafe #washyourhands
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
3 comments
Because it is for show, not for substance. Most low information shoppers/fliers feel better after this. See, honey, it keeps the sick people out. (Same with the masks)
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