Covid Testing At Mccarran Airport: Where And How?

In March 2020, McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas made headlines when an air traffic controller tested positive for COVID-19, leading to a temporary shutdown of the control tower. This incident shed light on the airport's response to the pandemic and raised questions about COVID testing at the airport. Since then, the airport has implemented various measures to ensure the safety of its passengers and staff, including social distancing practices and sanitization. With the ever-changing landscape of the pandemic, it is essential for travellers to stay informed about the latest testing requirements and protocols at McCarran International Airport.

McCarran International Airport COVID-19 testing for employees

On March 31, 2020, two McCarran International Airport employees tested positive for COVID-19. The Clark County Department of Aviation reported that the two employees did not work in close proximity to each other and were assigned to different shifts and areas in the airport. The areas where the two employees worked were fully sanitized using hospital-grade disinfectants. McCarran officials also contacted others who might have been in close contact with the two workers.

In a statement, McCarran said:

> We will continue to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Southern Nevada Health District to monitor the situation as well as the health and safety of our employees and the traveling public.

On June 10, 2020, a Hudson News employee at McCarran Airport also tested positive for COVID-19. The travel retail company said it hired a professional cleaning service to disinfect the store the following day, and the affected employee self-quarantined at home for 14 days, as recommended by the CDC.

As people continued to travel for the holidays in December 2020, COVID-19 cases rose at McCarran International Airport.

Temporary closure of the air traffic control tower

On March 18, 2020, the air traffic control tower at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas was temporarily closed after an air traffic controller potentially tested positive for COVID-19. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) closed the tower to ensure a safe working environment for air traffic controllers and technicians. The Las Vegas Terminal Radar Approach Control assumed control of the airspace, and the airport remained open with operations continuing at a reduced rate.

The closure of the air traffic control tower resulted in several flight disruptions, with some flights being diverted or returned to their origin airports. Passengers at the airport expressed surprise at learning of their flight cancellations. The FAA stated that the Las Vegas Terminal Radar Approach Control was still operating, and the airport would remain open until the situation was resolved.

The temporary closure of the air traffic control tower was part of a broader context of COVID-19 concerns and travel restrictions. Passenger volume at McCarran International Airport had already dropped significantly in the week leading up to the tower's closure. The airport implemented social distancing practices and consolidated operations to address the decrease in passenger traffic.

The closure of the air traffic control tower at McCarran International Airport highlights the challenges faced by the aviation industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. The potential positive test result for an air traffic controller underscores the importance of maintaining a safe working environment for essential workers in the industry. The FAA's decision to close the tower temporarily demonstrates the proactive measures taken to ensure the health and safety of air traffic controllers and technicians.

Reduced operations and cancelled flights

On March 18, 2020, McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas saw a temporary shutdown of its air traffic control tower after an air traffic controller potentially tested positive for COVID-19. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered the tower's closure to ensure a safe working environment for controllers and technicians. The airport remained open, but operations continued at a reduced rate.

The closure resulted in mass flight cancellations and significant delays. Southwest Airlines, McCarran's busiest carrier, canceled more than 160 flights on Friday, while Allegiant Air canceled two flights on the same day and rescheduled five flights from Thursday to Friday. The FAA implemented a ground delay, slowing air traffic to a manageable pace for controllers. Flights into Las Vegas faced delays of up to eight hours on average.

The Las Vegas Terminal Radar Approach Control, which had been operating as the control tower's backup, was also closed between midnight and 5 a.m. as an additional precaution. This decision mirrored the situation at Chicago's Midway International Airport, where the control tower was closed due to multiple technicians testing positive for COVID-19, causing reduced operations.

The shutdown of the control tower at McCarran International Airport highlights the challenges faced by the aviation industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. The combination of canceled flights, delays, and reduced operations disrupted travel plans and impacted local businesses in Las Vegas. The airport's operations were slowed down, and passengers experienced uncertainty and extended waiting periods.

COVID-19 testing for passengers

COVID-19 testing is available for passengers at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. The airport has taken several measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its passengers and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In March 2020, the airport reported that two employees had tested positive for COVID-19. The employees worked in different areas and shifts, and the airport assured that protocols were in place to prevent the spread of the virus. Social distancing practices were promoted, and common areas were sanitized using hospital-grade disinfectants.

The airport has also opened a new Express Care clinic at Terminal 1, providing convenient medical services to passengers. Additionally, the airport control tower was temporarily closed in March 2020 after an air traffic controller tested positive for COVID-19. During this time, the airport remained operational, but with reduced operations.

For passengers requiring COVID-19 testing, the airport provides a convenient and accessible option. The specific testing requirements and procedures may vary depending on local regulations and the passenger's destination or origin. It is recommended to check the latest travel advisories and guidelines before traveling.

Social distancing and sanitisation protocols

In March 2020, the air traffic control tower at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas was temporarily shut down after an air traffic controller tested positive for COVID-19. The airport remained open, but operations continued at a reduced rate.

In March 2020, two McCarran International Airport employees tested positive for COVID-19. The employees did not work in close proximity to each other and were assigned to different shifts and different areas in the airport. McCarran officials contacted others who might have been in close contact with the two workers. The areas the two employees worked in were fully sanitized using hospital-grade disinfectants.

To promote social distancing, the airport has reduced its workforce and consolidated operations in response to decreased passenger traffic. The airport and its partners request that only ticketed passengers and airport employees enter the terminals.

The public watching area, located on the south side of the airport, is currently closed due to COVID regulations.

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