Airports And Covid-19: Safe Or Not?

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the way we live, and the aviation industry is no exception. While commercial air travel in the United States is down by over 30% compared to pre-pandemic times, airports are on high alert to prevent the spread of the virus. Airports are conducting regular decontamination services to protect airport workers and passengers. Here are some measures that airports have implemented to ensure safety:

- Mandatory mask-wearing: Most airports require passengers to wear masks within the building.

- Social distancing: Airports are enforcing social distancing by placing markers on the floor and limiting the number of people in certain areas.

- Enhanced cleaning and disinfection: Airports are regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces and using electrostatic disinfectant sprayers to sanitise areas.

- Temperature checks: Some airports are conducting temperature screenings to identify potentially infected individuals.

- Testing: Many airports now require proof of a negative COVID-19 test for entry.

- Contact tracing: Airports are collecting passenger information to facilitate contact tracing in case of a positive COVID-19 case.

- Hand sanitiser stations: Airports are providing hand sanitiser dispensers to encourage hand hygiene.

- Online check-in: Many airlines encourage online check-in and mobile boarding passes to reduce physical interactions.

Wear a face mask

Wearing a face mask is one of the most important measures you can take to stay safe at airports during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some reasons why you should wear a face mask and how to do it properly:

• Follow the rules and be considerate: All airports and airlines require passengers to wear masks while inside the airport and on board the plane. By wearing a mask, you are following the rules and being considerate of others' health and safety. If you see someone not complying, don't be afraid to speak up or alert a flight attendant.
• Protection for yourself and others: Face masks help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by containing respiratory droplets when coughing, sneezing, or talking. They provide protection for both the wearer and those around them.
• Proper use of masks: Make sure to wear your mask correctly, covering your nose and mouth. Avoid touching the front of the mask, and if you do, sanitise or wash your hands afterwards. Change your mask every 4 hours, and bring enough masks for your entire trip.
• Double masking: Consider wearing two masks for added protection. This can be especially beneficial in crowded places like airports. The inner mask should push the edges of the outer mask against your face, improving the fit.
• Other precautions: Wearing a mask is just one part of staying safe. Combine it with other measures such as social distancing, hand sanitising, and avoiding touching your face.
• Be prepared: Bring extra masks with you in case you need to change them. Also, carry hand sanitiser and sanitising wipes to use before and after touching surfaces.
• Stay informed: Keep yourself updated with the latest guidelines and recommendations from official sources, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and local health authorities. Follow any additional instructions provided by the airport and airline staff.

Practise social distancing

Social distancing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Here are some tips to maintain social distancing at airports:

• Airports tend to be crowded, especially during peak hours. It is important to maintain a safe distance from others whenever possible. Keep a distance of at least 1-2 metres between yourself and other travellers and airport staff. This applies to all areas of the airport, including check-in counters, security checkpoints, boarding gates and baggage claim areas.
• Many airports have implemented measures to facilitate social distancing, such as floor markings, signage and rearranging seating areas. Pay attention to these indicators and follow any instructions provided by airport staff.
• When queuing, keep a safe distance from the person in front of you. Some airports may have markings on the floor to indicate the appropriate distance. If not, try to leave enough space to ensure that you are not standing too close to others.
• If possible, avoid peak travel times, such as early morning or late afternoon, when airports tend to be more crowded. Consider travelling during off-peak hours when there are typically fewer people at the airport.
• When choosing a seat on the plane, try to select a window seat to reduce your contact with other passengers. If possible, choose a seat that is spaced apart from others to maintain social distancing.
• If you need to use airport lounges or waiting areas, look for spaces that are less crowded. Some airports may have implemented capacity limits or rearranged seating to facilitate social distancing. Choose a seat that is away from large groups of people and maintain a safe distance from others.
• If you need to use airport transportation, such as shuttle buses or trains, be mindful of maintaining social distancing. Try to keep a safe distance from other passengers and airport staff, and follow any instructions or markings provided.
• If you are travelling with others, stay together as a group to minimise contact with others. This can help reduce the risk of exposure and make it easier to maintain social distancing.

Wash your hands regularly

Washing your hands regularly is one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself safe from COVID-19, and this is no different when it comes to airports. Here are some tips on how to ensure you are regularly washing your hands when travelling through an airport:

• Wash your hands after touching any surface, door or object, especially if it is something that many people touch, such as security trays or check-in machines.
• Always wash your hands before touching your face, mouth or nose.
• Carry hand sanitiser with you at all times and use it regularly, especially if you are unable to get to a sink.
• If you can, try to avoid touching things. For example, use contactless payments and digital tickets instead of cash and paper tickets.
• If you are unable to get to a sink, many airports now have hand sanitising stations that you can use.
• If you are wearing gloves, remember that the virus can live on gloves too, so do not touch your face with gloved hands and change your gloves regularly.

Bring hand sanitiser

Airports are on high alert to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and these buildings are conducting regular airport decontamination services each hour to protect airport workers and commercial fliers alike. However, it is still important to take your own precautions.

Bringing hand sanitiser is a great way to ensure you are keeping yourself safe. Hand sanitiser is currently selling like liquid gold, but if you can get your hands on some, it is a great way to ensure you are minimising risk. Use hand sanitiser at the airport whenever you must touch an object, door, or surface, before touching your face, mouth, or nose. Although the main spread of transmission for coronavirus is through droplets that are produced from a cough or a sneeze, it can also be transmitted from the surface of an object that has the pathogens of the virus. Make sure to sanitise your phone, in addition to any other objects you touch often.

Avoid crowded areas

Airports are busy places, with hundreds of people from all over the world passing through. This makes them a high-risk environment for the spread of COVID-19. Here are some ways to avoid crowded areas when travelling through an airport:

• Research your destination: Before you travel, check the latest COVID-19 guidelines for your destination. Are cases rising? Is the healthcare system under pressure? What are the local rules on social distancing and mask-wearing? Knowing what to expect will help you prepare.
• Check-in online: Save time and avoid unnecessary contact by checking in online. This means you can spend less time at the airport and reduce the risk of exposure to the virus.
• Carry-on luggage: Put all your items into your carry-on bag to reduce the number of surfaces you need to touch when going through security.
• Eat before you go: Airport restaurants and bars tend to be small and crowded. Bring your own food or eat before you arrive at the airport to minimise the time you need to spend in these areas.
• Keep your distance: Stay at least 6 feet away from others where possible. Avoid browsing in shops and find a seat away from other people while you wait for your flight. Walk slowly to maintain a safe distance from those ahead of you.
• Fly solo: It's easier to keep your distance when travelling alone.
• Follow the rules: Wear a mask, wash your hands regularly and follow the latest advice from health officials.

Frequently asked questions