American Airlines Flight Attendant Dies From COVID-19
Flight attendants are becoming increasingly concerned after American Airlines flight attendant Paul Frishkorn recently passed away from complications due to COVID-19. This is according to a recent report on WFTV.
The Assoc. of Professional Flight Attendants announced the passing of Paul Frishkorn, a Philadelphia based flight attendant for American Airlines. He'd contracted COVID-19 and passed away earlier this week. pic.twitter.com/3MeCa7o5Di
— Michael Stolp (@StolpWSOC9) March 27, 2020
According to reports, he did have pre-existing health conditions which made him a higher risk patient. Frishkorn joined American Airlines in 1997 and was awarded with a Flight Service Champion distinction twice during his career.
American Airlines released an official statement:
“Earlier this week, we lost a respected, longtime member of the American Airlines family, who tested positive for COVID-19. Paul Frishkorn joined us as a flight attendant in 1997 and was based in Philadelphia.”Over the years he built a reputation as a consummate professional who was honored as one of American’s Flight Service Champions twice for his excellent service to our customers.” The statement goes on, “Our hearts go out to Paul’s loved ones, many of whom work for American. We are working directly with them to ensure they are cared for during this extraordinarily difficult time. He will be missed by the customers he cared for and everyone at American who worked with him.”
On Friday, two American Airlines spoke with Channel 9 to express their concerns about the safety of employees and customers amid this global health crisis. One attendant who asked to remain anonymous said, “They’re completely out of the hand sanitizing wipes, the Clorox wipes that we get on board. So, we have nothing to clean surfaces.”
Both attendants said it wasn’t until this week that the airline began to cut back on food and drink service to passengers. Attendants now have permission to wear gloves and face masks. However, both attendants say it’s too little too late.
One attendant said, “I’m scared to bring something home to my family.”
American announced a decision Friday to reduce its schedule due to reduced customer demand with a spokesperson addressing claims about lack of cleaning products, “Though these items are in high demand, we are currently provisioning these necessary products to our flight attendants for use while flying.”
Photo: AP Photo/John Raoux
Concerns continue to mount regarding the safety of air travel at this time. This comes alongside news that a 7th TSA working stationed at Orlando International Airport has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.
Many workers are calling for services to be halted as a measure to keep employees and the public safe and combat the spread of the disease.
This is a story that we’ll be following closely in the weeks ahead. Readers are encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for the latest news and updates.
Source: WFTV
