President Trump’s 30-day ban on Europe-U.S. travel to stem the spread of coronavirus won’t ground cargo flights by FedEx, the Memphis-based company said Thursday.
“We have confirmation from the White House that the 30-day European travel ban does not apply to cargo flights,” FedEx spokeswoman Bonny Harrison said.
“The FedEx network will continue to support trade between the U.S. and Europe,” she said.
FedEx employees will continue to work under the same health precautions that have been in effect since the company began dealing with the outbreak after it began China, the company said.
FedEx had previously said it was adhering to all government regulations and guidelines related to containment of the novel coronavirus or COVID-19.
“We are closely monitoring guidance by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and other public health organizations, and taking recommended precautions in terms of pilot, team member and customer health and safety,” a spokeswoman said.
FedEx has encouraged employees to take signs of illness seriously, stay home if they feel sick and seek medical attention as needed.
The Memphis area’s largest private employer said on Monday March 9 that it was “actively educating team members about COVID-19 and promoting recommended preventative actions related to hygiene, including frequent handwashing. Some employees have also reported being allowed to work from home, including an entire department that was cleared to work remotely for a few days to see if productivity was affected.
The company has warned that work and travel restrictions might affect inbound and outbound shipments to and from affected areas, along with shipments moving within affected areas.
Analysts expect FedEx earnings for the December-February quarter to take a hit because of coronavirus when the company reports on Tuesday, March 17.
