– with COVID-19 precautionary measures

IN keeping with international best practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) has implemented a number of measures, reminding travellers of the health protocols in place.

Before one enters the airport building, there is a sign on the door which mandates that masks must be worn beyond the said point. There are also sinks nearby, where persons can wash and sanitise their hands prior to entry.

If a potential traveller is required to wait in line to speak with a receptionist, he/she must stand on the bright yellow markings placed on the floor, which asks persons to keep their distance by staying 6 feet or 2 meters away from the next person.

Meanwhile, rules have also been implemented for the seating arrangements, whereby persons must not sit on the seats with warning signs. Seats with a warning sign state: “As a precautionary measure against COVID-19, we ask you to keep as much distance between you and others as possible.” Thermal body cameras have also been installed at strategic locations, and enable quick detection of elevated body temperatures. However, elevated body temperatures should be confirmed with secondary evaluation methods, such as a Non-contact infrared thermometer (NCIT), which is hand-held and pointed to the forehead. The CJIA is also equipped with this equipment.

To reduce high levels of physical contact that increase the probability of contamination, self-service tools in the form of kiosks are also available.
“We are 100 per cent committed to your safety; we have put in place strict measures to guard against COVID-19. These are in keeping with the guidelines, initiated by the World Health Organisation and the Ministry of Public Health,” the CJIA has stated.

On June 6, 2020, the first group of stranded Guyanese passengers, who were given the green-light by the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) to return to these shores, touched down at the CJIA aboard an Eastern Airlines flight.

Over 130 passengers, who were stranded in various parts of the United States since Guyana’s airspace was closed as result of the coronavirus pandemic, arrived on Saturday. American citizens, who have been stranded here, were awaiting their chance to return to their homeland aboard the out-bound Eastern Airlines flight. Reports are that a second flight is expected in Guyana in the coming days.