THUNDER BAY – Officials at the Thunder Bay International Airport say they are down to about 10 per cent of normal passenger volumes.
To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the airport authority is also asking people not actually flying in or out of Thunder Bay to stay out of the terminal, unless absolutely necessary or in the case of an emergency.
To help mitigate the situation, free parking has been made available in the airport’s short-term lot to facilitate passenger pick-up and drop-off.
Non-essential travel should be avoided, but those who do take to the skies are being asked to carefully observe social distancing guidelines and maintain at least two metres between themselves and other passengers and staff.
The airport has also closed all food service outlets, with the exception of vending machines.
Other measures being put in place include enhanced sanitation protocols inside the terminal building, at the luggage drop-off and pick-up areas and in washroom and the departure and arrival lounges. Escalator service has been suspended to reduce the possible number of transfer points.
Airport employees who feel sick are being required to stay home and practice self-isolation procedures.
A single airport employee has self-isolated because of traveling abroad, while two more were isolated on March 11 and March 12 with flu-like symptoms.
“Most importantly, the Thunder Bay International Airport Authority would like to remind the public that the Government of Canada now requires travellers returning from outside of Canada to selfisolate for 14 days. You are asked to monitor your health at home for symptoms such as a cough, fever or difficulty breathing, and report any symptoms to the Thunder Bay Public Health Authority immediately,” said Thunder Bay International Airports Authority president and CEO Ed Schmidtke, in a release issued on Tuesday.
“As we navigate this ever-changing situation, Thunder Bay International Airport Authority is working tirelessly to help keep our passengers and colleagues safe. We remain committed to adjusting our health & safety procedures as required in the coming days and weeks. Our collective efforts will help to slow the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in Thunder Bay.”
