A new acrylic shield surrounds the TSA area where TSA officers search carry-on bags that have triggered an alarm at Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport. (TSA photo)
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has installed new acrylic shields at the security checkpoint at Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to implement initiatives to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
The protective barriers have been installed in areas where TSA officers typically interact with passengers. This includes the point where travelers drop off their checked bags for screening, the travel document checking podium, the divesting areas where travelers prepare their carry-on property for X-ray screening, the property search areas.
“The installation of these shields at the various locations where passengers and TSA officers interact is one of several initiatives, along with social distancing in the passenger queue and sanitizing bins that TSA has put in place with the goal of reducing the likelihood of cross contamination among travelers and employees to help stop the spread of the coronavirus,” said Chuck Burke, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport.
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 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.