Coronavirus In Colorado: No 'Social Distancing' At DIA During Train Delay

DENVER (CBS4)- There was no social distancing at Denver International Airport over the weekend as passengers crowded platforms at the terminal waiting for the train to take them to their concourse. Social distancing guidelines are 6 feet, according to the Centers for Disease Control in an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Hundreds of people were crammed together on Sunday waiting for the train between concourses. Once on board the train, they all jammed together.

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DIA said crews had to perform emergency work on Sunday which meant fewer trains running. Those trains that were running, were packed.

Passenger metering was performed at security areas going to the planes. But coming from them was a different story.

People packed the trains between concourses like sardines, just the opposite of what is to be avoided during a pandemic.

The train repairs which began Saturday were finally resolved early Monday, but the fear of some travelers catching the virus remains.

Jordan Housh is headed to Omaha.

"Going back home. My sister is pregnant. I just worry about things like that. What am I bringing home with me?" she asked.

Passengers can walk the skybridge to concourse A but the only way to get to concourses B and C is to take the train.

DIA issued this statement on Monday regarding the train delays:

Over the weekend, due to emergency work on the track for the Train to the Gates, DEN trains ran at a reduced capacity. The train resumed normal operations at around 7 a.m. this morning. At peak times, passengers waited between 10 and 15 minutes to board a train. Security was metered while repair work was in progress, however at times train platforms were crowded. We encourage people to wash their hands or apply hand sanitizer after being in public spaces, including the train. We know passengers are concerned about staying healthy at this time. The airport has put a number of procedures in place to help prevent the spread of germs including:

• Installing sanitary wipes in jet bridges to allow passengers to then sanitize their seat on the plane.
• Adding additional stations where passengers and employees can access free hand sanitizer. This includes the TSA security lines and information booths. Some airlines have hand sanitizer in the boarding areas as well.
• Increasing the frequency and intensity of efforts to disinfect washrooms and other public areas with cleaning agents intended to kill germs.
• DEN has already been sanitizing the trains to the gates daily and will continue to do so with an even stronger focus to kill germs.
• DEN has also already been using passenger checkpoint screening trays treated with powerful antimicrobial technology to inhibit the growth of bacteria and viruses on the surface of the bins used by travelers at the TSA checkpoints.
• We have asked our concessionaires to evaluate their own restaurant and/or bar layout and arrange their chairs and tables to provide for social distancing. Looking at taking out seats in the food court to allow for social distancing. Similarly, we are asking every retail outlet to maintain social distancing.
• We also are asking the restaurants to explore how they might be able to reduce table service and instead focus on take away food and drinks. Additional Information from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment:
• Practice good hygiene. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. In the absence of soap and water, use hand-sanitizer; use your elbow or sleeve to cover coughs and sneezes
• Stay home if you're sick; keep your children home if they are sick. The illness can last for many days so make preparations now to work from home if possible.
• We advise Coloradans to always be prepared for an emergency-- like a large snowstorm-- and have a plan for your family. Make sure to have 72 hours of key supplies on hand like medications, infant formula, diapers, pet food, etc. FEMA guidance for pre-pandemic COVID-19 preparedness is available on Ready.gov.
• Stay informed with reliable, up-to-date information. People who have general questions about coronavirus disease 2019, can call CO HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 or email COHELP@RMPDC.org, for answers in English and Spanish (Español), Mandarin (普通话), and more.

Passenger numbers are down the week of March 8-14 about 14% from the previous year.

A release from DIA stated, "We expect to see dramatic reductions in both air service and traffic levels this coming week."