New acrylic barriers installed at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport to prevent COVID-19 spread

Posted: Jan 13, 2021 / 10:51 AM EST / Updated: Jan 13, 2021 / 10:52 AM EST

Acrylic barriers have been installed at the TSA checkpoint at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport to help protect the workforce and passengers. (Photo: Courtesy TSA)

ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — As part of ongoing efforts to help prevent the potential spread of the coronavirus among passengers and the workforce, the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) announced the installment of new acrylic shields at the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport’s security checkpoint.

According to a statement released by the TSA on Wednesday, Jan. 13, the protective barriers have been set up in areas where TSA officers and travelers usually interact, such as the travel document checking podiums, the divesting areas where travelers prepare their carry-on items for X-ray screening, and the property search areas.

“The installation of these shields is just one of many initiatives that TSA has put in place with the goal of reducing the likelihood of cross contamination among travelers and employees who are flying out of the airport,” said Chuck Burke, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “The shields provide an additional layer of protection to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus.”

*New acrylic shields have been installed at the location where travelers drop off checked baggage to be screened at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport. (Photo: Courtesy TSA)*

Meanwhile, the TSA continues to promote its “Stay Healthy. Stay Secure” campaign, which is designed to remind travelers of airport checkpoint modifications and procedures in order to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Officials say examples of these procedures 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 also reminded to follow the travel guidance from the CDC, as well as any state or local COVID-19 advisories. For more information about the TSA’s pandemic response, follow this link.