Rochester, MN  (KROC AM News) -  Masks or other face-coverings are now required for all workers at the Rochester International Airport.

Airport officials are also "strongly encouraging" all customers/passengers in the public areas of the terminal building to wear a mask.

RST made the coronavirus pandemic-related announcement Friday.

“Since March, RST has been partnering with airline, government and other industry experts to support and implement measures intended to protect both our employees and the traveling public,” said John Reed, RST’s executive director.  “Together, in collaboration with our tenants, RST is implementing policies and enhancing procedures that will reduce risk through use of frequent hospital grade disinfecting, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and enhanced social distancing techniques that include physical barriers and audio and visual cues.”

Specifically, changes inside RST include:
Paper or cloth masks required for all airport employees and airport tenant employees 
Purchase and installation of plexiglass barriers at all person to person contact areas inclusive of transportation desks, ticket counters and passenger boarding gate counters.
Floor signage to promote proper spacing in areas where passenger lines form.
Timed automatic announcements added to public address system reminding passengers to practice proper social distancing techniques.
Visual messaging added to electronic signs that are located throughout the terminal building.
The two sets of front doors to the terminal have been designated as “Exit Only” (near bag claim) and “Enter Only” (near ticket counters).
Frequent disinfecting all seating areas, wheelchairs and touchpoints in the public areas of the terminal after each flight departure.
Automated credit card in/out entrance and exit from parking lot to avoid person to person contact.

 Airline initiated changes:
Masks to be worn by all passengers on board aircraft
Disinfecting all interior areas of each aircraft prior to the boarding process
Evaluating processes to minimize passenger/employee contact

TSA initiated changes:
Adding plexiglass barriers at person to person contact points in the screening checkpoint
Disinfecting of touchpoints in the screening checkpoint
Work in collaboration with airport to specifically disinfect work areas if an employee tests positive for COVID-19
Allow up to 12 oz hand sanitizer for carry on per passenger
For a complete list of airline specific changes please see individual carrier specific sites.

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