Visitors and employees at Denver International Airport went about their business Thursday with little concern about the swine-flu outbreak.
Still, people said they were aware the flu has been confirmed in two Coloradans — including a DIA baggage handler.
“We’re doing two things wrong,” said Connie Riddle. “When we left Chicago Midway (Airport), there was a sign that said, ‘Avoid flying,’ and we were doing that, and we were flying to where two cases are confirmed.”
Riddle and Diane Gottlieb, here for a chiropractic conference, insisted that a properly aligned spine helps the immune system and that they weren’t concerned about the flu.
“We are well-adjusted,” Gottlieb said.
Jared Marshall, flying to Seattle, said, “Am I worried about traveling? No. And I wish (Vice President Joe) Biden would watch what he says.”
Biden, on NBC’s “Today” show Thursday, said he advised his family to avoid travel in “confined places” such as airplanes.
The Air Transport Association, a trade group of major U.S. airlines, expressed “extreme disappointment” with Biden’s comment.
Airlines are taking “appropriate actions,” ATA chief James May said.
May said the air on a commercial aircraft is “cleaner than in most public buildings.” Airline officials say planes are being cleaned between flights.
Biden’s office later “clarified” that the White House is advising sick people not to travel.
Ann Schrader: 303-954-1967 or aschrader@denverpost.com
