NEWARK, N.J. (PIX11) – An uptick in sick calls amongst air traffic controllers could cause flight delays during the government shutdown, according to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

Newark Liberty International Airport already reported delays on Monday due to staffing, according to an FAA advisory.

Air traffic controllers, considered essential, are required to work without pay during the shutdown. The staffing shortages and delays may continue as long as the shutdown continues, Duffy warned.

“We’re tracking sick calls, sick leave, and have we had a slight [uptick] in sick calls? Yes. And then you’ll see delays that come from that,” Duffy said. “If we have additional sick calls, we will reduce the flow [of flights].”

In January 2019, during the last government shutdown, an increase

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