In preparation for the Independence Day holiday weekend, the Transportation Security Administration has implemented a new “Stay Healthy. Stay Safe” campaign to prevent the spread of the coronavirus at airports.
Security officers will be wearing masks and gloves. They will change gloves after each pat down and check of belongings.
Plastic shields are installed at counters, similar to those at grocery stores and banks.
“Passengers processing through the security checkpoints at Philadelphia International Airport can expect to see a handful of measures that have been implemented at airport security checkpoints to help fight the spread of the coronavirus,” said Gerardo Spero, TSA’s security director for Philadelphia International Airport.
Passengers are required to wear face masks and practice social distancing.
TSA also recommends travelers arrive at the airport early to ensure adequate time for checking bags, completing security screening and getting to the departure gate.
Passengers are no longer required to hand a boarding pass to a security officer. Instead, they place the boarding pass on an electronic scanner.
TSA implemented these additional procedures:
Travelers must separate food in a clear plastic bag for X-ray screening.
Passengers may bring one liquid hand sanitizer container, up to 12 ounces per passenger, in carry-on bags, and remove the sanitizer from their carry-on bag for screening. Other liquids, gels and aerosols are limited to 3.4 ounces and must be placed in a clear bag.
If a carry-on bag is found to contain a prohibited item, passengers may be directed to return to an area outside of security with their carry-on bags to dispose of the item.
To avoid some restrictions, passengers can sign up for the TSA PreCheck.
For more information about TSA’s response to COVID-19 and other adjustments at security screening checkpoints, visit tsa.gov/coronavirus.
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