Acrylic barriers have been installed at Des Moines International Airport. (TSA photo)
DES MOINES, Iowa – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has installed new acrylic shields at two Iowa airports as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. New shields are in place at Des Moines International Airport and Waterloo Regional Airport.
The protective barriers have been installed in areas where TSA officers interact with passengers. This includes the travel document checking podium, the divesting areas where travelers prepare their carry-on property for X-ray screening and the property search areas.
“The addition of these new shields at the checkpoint is an effort by TSA to reduce the likelihood of cross contamination between travelers and TSA employees,” said John Bright, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Iowa. “It is one of several initiatives that TSA has implemented to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.”
TSA continues to promote its “Stay Healthy. Stay Secure.” campaign designed to advise travelers of airport checkpoint modifications and procedures designed to contain the spread of COVID-19. These include social distancing, reduced physical contact between travelers and TSA officers during the screening process, use of personal protective equipment by TSA officers, and extra cleaning and disinfecting in the security checkpoint.
Travelers are reminded to wear a mask and follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel guidance as well as local and state advisories regarding COVID-19. For more information about the TSA response to COVID-19, please visit www.tsa.gov.