ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Albany International Airport announced Wednesday that travelers are still required to wear masks inside the airport when flying. This comes as Gov. Cuomo lifted the mask mandate in most public settings across NYS with certain exclusions such as air travel and public transportation.
The airport says while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said that the risk of those vaccinated contracting COVID-19 is very low, masks still have to be worn on all public transportation and while in airports across the country and on board planes.
In January, President Biden issued orders requiring masks to be worn in all federal buildings and on public transportation including planes and while in airport terminals. This order will remain in effect until September 13, 2021.
Albany International Airport officials also set up a COVID-19 Task Force designed to
delivering clear and up-to-date information on the spread of the virus and providing best practices that would allow the Airport to prioritize traveler safety from passenger drop-off to boarding the plane.
The tactics deployed include:
- Touchless elevators
- Personal device sanitizing stations
- High-efficiency air filtration
- Hand sanitizers
- COVID-19 test kits for travelers & employees
- Continuous sanitizing of escalators
- Plexiglass shields at personal contact points
“The Albany International Airport was one of the first airports in the nation to require travelers
and staff to wear protective masks while in the terminal as a proven way of preventing the spread of
the coronavirus,” said Philip Calderone, CEO of the Albany County Airport Authority. “The Airport
is committed to maintaining its high level of response to the virus and the enforcement of the federal directive.”
The Albany International Airport also reportedly became the first airport to introduce General Electric’s Wellness App. Using a personal device, travelers can utilize the app to learn when specific touch areas within the terminal have been sanitized.
