Trump weighs in on airport screening delays: ‘We must get it right. Safety first!’

President Trump weighed in Sunday on the airport screening delays amid the coronavirus outbreak, saying “We must get it right.”

Trump in a Sunday tweet encouraged people to “pardon the interruptions and delays” as the government is conducting “very precise Medical Screenings.” 

“We are doing very precise Medical Screenings at our airports,” he said. “Pardon the interruptions and delays, we are moving as quickly as possible, but it is very important that we be vigilant and careful.”

“We must get it right. Safety first!”

We are doing very precise Medical Screenings at our airports. Pardon the interruptions and delays, we are moving as quickly as possible, but it is very important that we be vigilant and careful. We must get it right. Safety first!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 15, 2020

Long lines were reported at multiple U.S. airports as stepped up mandatory coronavirus screening collided with a crush of travelers racing to the U.S. amid advisories against traveling and after the announcement of a travel ban from Europe for non-U.S. residents. In particular, returning travelers at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago were waiting for up to four hours. 

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzeker (D) called out Trump in a tweet Saturday saying the wait times were “unacceptable & need to be addressed immediately.” 

To the frustrated people trying to get home, I have spoken with the mayor and our Senators and we are working together to get the federal government to act to solve this.

We will do everything within our power to get relief.

— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) March 15, 2020

Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) also slammed the Trump administration for the screening process.

This is unacceptable, counterproductive and exactly the opposite of what we need to do to prevent the spread of #COVID19. The Trump Administration must send more support to O’Hare immediately. https://t.co/FzL8mGETDF

— Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) March 15, 2020

Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf responded to the crowds, saying the department was working on increasing the screening capabilities.

“I understand this is very stressful. In these unprecedented times, we ask for your patience,” he tweeted. 

2/2 I understand this is very stressful. In these unprecedented times, we ask for your patience. It currently takes ~60 seconds for medical professionals to screen each passenger. We will be increasing capacity but the health and safety of the American public is first & foremost.

— Acting Secretary Chad Wolf (@DHS_Wolf) March 15, 2020

The administration has required these medical screenings for any international travelers. At the same time, public health experts have warned people to practice “social distancing” and avoid large crowds.