Businesses across the world are adapting to the pandemic, and Tampa International Airport isn’t an exception.
The airport has launched an effort titled “TPA Ready,” which incorporates various methods that are meant to slow the virus’s spread.
“While we know there’s an eagerness among our travelers and employees to resume our normal lives again, that new normal may look very different than what we were accustomed to pre-COVID 19,” TPA CEO Joe Lopano said in an announcement.
“Keeping people safe is always our top priority at TPA, and as people plan to come back, we want to ensure we are offering an environment that is clean, healthy and ready for business.”
Some of the changes being implemented in coming weeks include:
PLASTIC SHIELDS: Plastic or acrylic shields will be installed in key high-traffic areas, including ticket counters, TSA security checkpoints, boarding gate and concessions counters
FACE MASKS: All employees will be required to wear face masks
SOCIAL DISTANCING MARKERS: Thousands of ground markings and signs will give guidance on six-foot distancing ticket counters, boarding gates, shuttles, SkyConnect, concessions counters, US Customs, and other common areas
REDUCED SEATING: Seating will be reduced, blocked off or spaced apart in places like gate areas, dining areas, work stations and Main Terminal greeting sections to promote distancing
CLEANING AND SANITATION: TPA is employing additional cleaning crew staff, using cutting-edge disinfection applications and products on surfaces, hand rails and elevator buttons, and adding more hand sanitizers throughout the Airport
In addition to these and other changes, TPA is urging its guests and passengers to follow CDC guidelines to stay healthy, as well as the following:
- All passengers and guests should wear face masks while at the Airport in any capacity
- Passengers should plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure to help prevent crowding caused by last-minute rushing before scheduled flights
- Travelers should use carry-on luggage and mobile boarding passes to limit touchpoints
- Those picking up or dropping off passengers should not enter the Main Terminal; instead they should use the Cell Phone Lot or stay in their vehicles in the Short Term Garage unless they are assisting unaccompanied minors, passengers with disabilities, or others who need assistance
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This article appears in Apr 23-29, 2020.