ATLANTA — According to the Delta Air Line Pilots Union's website, as of Saturday afternoon, at least 48 pilots were reported to have tested positive for COVID-19.
In a statement to 11Alive News on Saturday, the Atlanta-based air carrier said that while they could confirm that they have had some positive tests among some employees, they would not confirm specific numbers.
"If a Delta crew member is confirmed to have COVID-19, Delta works with the CDC to determine next steps, including notifying employees and customers who might have been in close contact with that crew member," said Delta spokesman Anthony Black.
The carrier has about 14,000 pilots and 90,000 employees. They reported earlier this week that a ground handler in Detroit died of complications related to COVID-19.
A recent Bloomberg report said some airlines have not been following CDC guidelines that ask carriers to notify employees when they've been exposed to someone with the coronavirus.
According to Black, if a Delta employee is diagnosed or is presenting symptoms of COVID-19, the carrier will contact employees who had come into close contact with that person within the prior 48-hour period prior to the presentation of their symptoms.
"In some instances, depending on the clinical investigation, Delta may notify employees of the need to self-quarantine," Black said. "Finally, we update the process for notifying employees of positive COVID-19 diagnoses if/when CDC issues new guidance."
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