An unnamed passenger who boarded a flight from New York City to Florida after testing positive for coronavirus got a lifetime ban from JetBlue.
A spokesperson for the airline said in a statement to PEOPLE that the traveler will be banned from their flights because of the ‘unsettling situation.’
The statement read: “Last night’s event put our crewmembers, customers, and federal and local officials in an unsettling situation that could have easily been avoided, and as such, this customer will not be permitted to fly on JetBlue in the future.”
JetBlue and other airlines advise passengers not to fly if they are waiting to get coronavirus test results or if they are not feeling well.
“Consistent with CDC guidance, we ask all customers who are not feeling well, who believe they may have coronavirus, or who are awaiting test results to avoid travel until they are cleared by a medical professional,” the airline added.
According to ABC News, the man who boarded flight 253 from JFK Airport to Palm Beach International Airport caused the aircraft to be kept on the tarmac for almost two hours as health officials spoke with other 114 passengers and the crews.
“An individual on this flight got a text that he tested positive for the coronavirus,” Dr. Alina Alonso, Palm Beach County’s health director, said to the flight, according to WPTV.
“He has not been coughing or sneezing or anything on the plane. At this point, you’re free to walk around and move around because, most likely, you’re not going to have anything because there was no activity. The way you get this virus is somebody has to cough or sneeze on you.”
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