TSA installs new acrylic shields at airports in Watertown, Ogdensburg

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced it has installed new acrylic shields at the security checkpoints at Watertown International Airport in Jefferson County and at Ogdensburg International Airport in St. Lawrence County.

The shield installations are part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to implement initiatives to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The protective barriers have been installed in areas where TSA officers typically interact with passengers. This includes the travel-document checking podium, the divesting areas where travelers prepare their carry-on property for X-ray screening, and the property search areas.

“The addition of these new shields where passengers and TSA officers interact is one of several initiatives that TSA has put in place with the goal of reducing the likelihood of cross contamination among travelers and TSA employees to help stop the spread of the coronavirus,” Bart Johnson, TSA’s federal security director for upstate New York, said.

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.

The TSA also reminds travelers to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel guidance as well as local and state advisories regarding COVID-19, per its release.