WASHINGTON – Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA), the trade association representing commercial service airports in the United States and Canada, today welcomed updated guidance put forward by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ease travel restrictions for fully vaccinated passengers, including eliminating the need for fully vaccinated U.S. passengers to self-quarantine following international and domestic travel.
“The health, safety, and security of the traveling public and airport workers is an airport’s top priority,” said ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. “From the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, airports have taken proactive steps through a multi-layered approach to health and safety to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The updated guidance put forward by the CDC is a welcome step forward as we enter the early stages of recovery in air travel. Airports applaud CDC’s diligent efforts to help promote health and safety in air travel. As vaccine distribution ramps up across the country, we look forward to welcoming more passengers back to airport terminals when they are ready.”
North American airports responded quickly to COVID-19 by establishing enhanced health and sanitation protocols that include much more frequent cleaning, with an intense focus on “touch points” in public areas and restrooms, more and upgraded cleaning supplies, extra shifts and staffing, additional hand sanitizers in airport public areas for passengers and employees, and additional education and training for airport employees and contractors. Many of these practices will remain in place for the foreseeable future.
As passengers begin to return to airports, they should continue to adhere to the following travel tips:
- Wear a mask: Federal regulations require that masks be worn when at the airport and throughout the journey. For masks to be worn properly, they must cover the nose, mouth, and chin.
- Arrive early: Airports have enhanced safety standards and measures for all passengers. This could mean more delays as passengers travel through security checkpoints. Passengers should arrive early so they are able to make it to their gates and flights on time.
- Adhere to physical distancing: When possible, passengers should keep their physical distance (6 feet) when going through checkpoints, shopping at concessions shops, standing in line at customer service or departure gates. By keeping their distance, passengers can help stop the spread of the virus and keep travelers healthy.
- Practice good hygiene: Passengers should wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 second or use hand sanitizers placed throughout airport terminals.
Learn more about how ACI-NA’s Ready for Every Journey campaign at www.readyforeveryjourney.com.
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