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March 17, 2020
6 p.m.
The health and safety of everyone who works at Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a top priority. The Aviation Department leadership is working closely with our tenant and contract partners to support and communicate about preventative measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Mecklenburg County Public Health Department.
The Airport remains open and operational. COVID-19 remains a very serious public health threat that we continue to monitor and adjust for as required.
Our varied partners – from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Transportation Security Administration and American Airlines to parking operators, security teams and ride share app operators – are in contact with us regarding the health, and security of the varied workforces and the American people.
Several measures have been put in place to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 Coronavirus and to maintain Airport operations with staff available to assist our customers. As always, the entire CLT team is committed to providing a safe and clean workplace, in the terminal and in support offices and workspaces located outside the terminal. Among the recent steps taken:
- Employees in all areas have been encouraged to practice good personal hygiene such as regular handwashing and to engage in social distancing, keeping at least 6 feet from the adjacent person where possible and avoid large group settings or meetings.
- Aviation and other employers in the Airport are implementing staggered staffing to support Airport operations. Where possible, Aviation employees are working from home. The CLT Center employee gym has been temporarily closed.
- The CLT volunteer programs, including therapy dogs and piano players, have been suspended. In addition, Sunday services in the chapel are postponed but the chapel remains open. The USO in the Airport Atrium is temporarily closed.
- Visitor access to the CLT Center has been modified. If someone must visit the CLT Center, they are asked to call the person they are visiting and wait outside to be escorted into the building.
- Passenger loading of shuttle buses has been modified. Ingress and egress will occur at the rear door of buses
Some other business partners are making changes as well.
Airport concessions have adjusted operating schedules and some businesses have closed temporarily. HMS Host, our dining concessionnaire, will convert some of its dine-in restaurants to grab and go or quick serve to comply with Gov. Roy Cooper’s directive today that restaurants close their dining rooms where people congregate in close proximity.
Anyone with plans to fly should contact their airline carrier directly for information about flight times, delays or cancellations. Using a ride share app? Uber and Lyft suspended group rides but are still providing rides to individuals. Curbside Valet also is suspended.
American Airlines, CLT’s largest air carrier, along partners such as the CBP and TSA has taken added steps to educate their employees on preventative steps each of them can take to reduce their risk of becoming ill. These measures include regular handwashing and where and when appropriate wearing gloves, face masks and other protective gear.
Cleaning in work spaces and passenger high touch point places have increased and include regular deep cleanings with focus on high touch points.
Employees are encouraged to remain vigilant in preventing the spread of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19. In addition to keeping your workspace clean, here are more tips you can use:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Keep at least 6 feet, as recommended by the CDC, from the person next to you. This is referred to as social distancing.
- Avoid large groups. Attend meetings remotely where possible.
- Clean and disinfect work spaces and frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Avoid shaking hands.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.