“As you know, our Department is well prepared to respond to the array of present dangers and ever-emerging threats to our Homeland, including communicable diseases that threaten the safety and security of the American people.

That is why DHS and our component agencies continue to support the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which is the lead federal agency in charge of the U.S. government's coronavirus response, in a whole-of-government effort while we remain focused on assisting travelers arriving at our air, land, and maritime ports of entry. Critically, DHS and the administration took early action to prohibit foreign nationals traveling from China from entering the United States. The same now applies to foreign nationals traveling from Iran.

Every day, the men and women of DHS are making sure that these travel restrictions are in place and enforced. They are also ensuring that all American citizens with recent travel to China, Iran, and certain countries in Europe are funneled through 11 airports where we have stood up enhanced medical screening. The Department's chief medical officer is also coordinating closely with CDC, NGOs, governments of Mexico and Canada, and local health officials on our operational procedures, as well as the impact to our work force, frontline personnel, and law enforcement officials.

Rest assured DHS will continue to closely monitor the virus and will adjust our proactive measures as necessary to keep health threats out of our country and keep Americans safe.”

- Chad F. Wolf
Acting Secretary
Department of Homeland Security