Exposure to the Coronavirus concerns TSA Officials. TSA established new rules to decrease the chances of exposure to the Coronavirus by its personnel.

On May 21, 2020, TSA Administrator David Pekoske release this statement, “In the interest of TSA frontline workers and traveler health, TSA is committed to making prudent changes to our screening processes to limit physical contact and increase physical distance as much as possible.”

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • Do not hand boarding passes to TSA agents; instead, scan your boarding passes and then hold it up so the TSA officer can visually inspect it.

  • Similar to x-ray inspection of your cosmetics and small liquids, you need to place food in clear plastic bags and place them separately in a bin. The practice will maintain distancing and reduce false alarms triggers. PGI recommends you stop off for a meal before boarding for your flight before or after the security check-point.

  • Similarly, it would help if you took extra care to ensure that they do not have any prohibited items, such as liquids, gels or aerosols in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces, in your carry-on bags (water bottles, shampoo).

  • TSA is now allowing one liquid hand sanitizer container, up to 12 ounces per person in your carry-on luggage.

  • To avoid cross-contamination, TSA will no longer allow you to remove prohibited items at the security check-point. You will need to return to an area outside of security to dispose of any items forbidden.

  • As with most places, the TSA requires you to practice social distancing of at least six (6) feet and wear facial protection.

Just like before the Coronavirus precautions, you are asked to remove items like belts and objects from their pockets, like wallets, keys, and phones, and put them directly into their carry-on bags. Again this is to reduce touch-points during the screening process.

THE TOP FIVE AIRPORTS WITH CONFIRMED CORONAVIRUS CASES

TSA has had 630 federal employees test positive for COVID-19. 436 employees have recovered, and 6 have unfortunately died as a result of the virus. TSA reports one screening contractor died due to the virus.

Airport Total Confirmed Cases TSA Screening Officers Non-Screening Employees
JFK – John F. Kennedy International 114 107 7
EWR – Newark Liberty International 62 53 9
LGA – LaGuardia 34 31 3
ORD – Chicago O’Hare International 31 30 1
MSY – Louis Armstrong New Orleans International 30 29 1