President implements highest travel advisory following first coronavirus deaths in US

The safety of the American people is a top priority. Currently, the immediate risk to the American public is low, and the US is acting swiftly to keep that risk low. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) continues to facilitate the CDC’s enhanced health screening of travelers entering or attempting to enter the United States with a nexus to Wuhan or with recent travel to China due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus (nCoV). This enhanced health screening is for symptoms specifically related to the novel coronavirus and is conducted by CDC personnel upon a traveler’s arrival.

On January 31, 2020, the President signed a Presidential Proclamation entitled: “Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus.” As of February 2, 2020, 5 p.m. EST, the Proclamation restricts and suspends the entry into the United States, as immigrants or nonimmigrants, of certain aliens who were physically present within the People’s Republic of China, excluding the Special Autonomous Regions of Hong Kong and Macau, during the 14-day period immediately preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States.

CBP continues to facilitate CDC’s enhanced health screening at U.S. ports of entry. Consistent with CBP’S procedures, and in accordance with the Presidential Proclamation, individuals encountered by CBP with a nexus to China within 14 days of the encounter or with symptoms of illness are referred to CDC or local health officials for additional health screening. CBP has no evidence to date that the virus has spread via cargo.