The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is in the process of installing new acrylic barriers at security checkpoints throughout John F. Kennedy International Airport as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to implement initiatives to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The protective barriers are being installed in areas where TSA officers typically interact with passengers. This includes the travel document checking podium and the divesting area where travelers prepare their carry-on property for X-ray screening.
“The installation of these barriers is just one of many initiatives that TSA has put in place with the goal of enforcing social distancing and reduced physical contact in an effort to reduce the likelihood of cross contamination among travelers and employees,” said John Bambury TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “These shields provide an additional layer of protection to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus.”
TSA recently awarded a contract to purchase and install 1,230 acrylic barriers at 37 priority airports nationwide. Nearby Newark Liberty International and LaGuardia Airports also are among those airports that are installing the barriers. Additional contracts for shields for more airports will be awarded this fall.
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/coronavirus.
