That next airport ride may end up killing you.
That may sound like an exaggeration, but the threat is 100% real.
So real, that Bush Airport has been posting flyers warning travelers.
These flyers will be posted at check-in counters of our direct flights to China to alert travelers of the precautions they need to take. pic.twitter.com/64HWYV8lw7
— Houston Bush Airport (@iah) January 23, 2020
Think they will post it in the TNC lot? Probably not. This is why I am warning you.
In Wuhan, China, a deadly virus called Coronavirus, decided to break out and it has now reached the United States. While there is no documentation (as of this writing) of a Houston case, the possibility is real that it can come here via an affected traveler.
So, should you just avoid international terminals like Terminal E at IAH? No. There are no direct flights between Wuhan and Houston. That is the good news. The bad news is, travelers that have come from Wuhan will most likely connect to other flights in order to get back to Houston. Basically, every terminal is a risk. You really have no idea if someone has been to Wuhan until after they get in your vehicle, which is precisely why Houston Airport officials are passing out flyers.
Lysol should be part of your on the road kit. If you come into contact with a sick rider (especially from the airport), please, spray down your vehicle immediately with Lysol. Clean it good. Every part they may of touched or breathed on. Of course, after that, wash your hands thoroughly, but it may be too late. You may of been exposed and contracted already. So what do you do?
If you get sick, see a doctor immediately.
The virus is a bit scary as it manifests with a cold or flu-like symptoms with fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Because of this, some doctors may right away dismiss it as a flu after you told them you have not traveled to China. This is why I am writing this article and hoping that you read it to this point:
TELL YOUR DOCTORS YOU DRIVE FOR UBER/LYFT AND THAT YOU HONESTLY HAVE NO IDEA IF YOU CAME INTO CONTACT WITH SOMEONE WHO HAS RECENTLY BEEN TO CHINA.
Even if you avoid the airport, there is a chance you can pick someone up from somewhere else that may have contracted the disease. As drivers, we are at high risk of being infected. Watch out for signs. Proper hygiene and good hand washing go a long way.