Newark Airport Adapts To Coronavirus: Masks, PPE Vending Machines

NEWARK, NJ — Mandatory face masks in public areas and vending machines loaded with hand sanitizer are becoming part of the new normal at Newark Liberty International Airport.

There’s a lot of anxiety when it comes to travel in New Jersey these days, especially for those coming from out of state, who must self-quarantine for 14 days if they come from a high-risk area. READ MORE: New Jersey Expands Coronavirus Quarantine

The goosebumps have been felt at Newark Airport and others under the aegis of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, where passenger levels have plummeted to “historically low” levels, officials say.

But according to Port Authority administrators, travelers can be sure of one thing when they fly into Newark: “They have nothing to worry about.”

“Yes, it’s going to be different,” Director of Aviation Huntley Lawrence conceded at a recent news conference. “Yes, it’s going to take some getting used to. And no, it won’t all be easy.”

But at the end of the day, the show will go on, Lawrence emphasized.

“I recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic has created a lot anxiety for travelers,” Lawrence said. “My team and I are working to implement several measures to keep all airport employees and customers safe.”

Those measures follow four core principles, he said: “Maximize Hygiene,” “Minimize Contact,” “Minimize Access” and “Minimize Dwell.”

Here’s what that philosophy looks like at Newark Airport, according to Lawrence.

MANDATORY MASKS – “Face coverings are a requirement in all public areas on the airport. I cannot stress enough how critical it is that passengers and employees cover their faces in order to mitigate the spread of the virus. Many of our airline partners are also required face coverings be worn for the duration of a flight and I encourage all passengers to check with your carrier and the Port Authority’s website for the latest information before you travel.”

SECURITY CHECKPOINTS/SCREENING – “As we welcome back passengers, there are new policies and protocols across our airports, there are a few things travelers should know, including new safety protocols, particularly at TSA security checkpoints. Each respective airport has links to new CDC guidance and TSA protocols, as well as vital travel tips. Decisions regarding the passengers screening will continue to be made by federal agencies including the CDC and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. We will continue to provide all necessary support to the state and city health authorities.”

LIMITED ACCESS – “For everyone’s protection, access to our airport terminals and AirTrain stations is limited to ticketed passengers, employees and those conducting business in the terminal. This measure is temporary. We are certainly looking forward to welcoming ‘meeters and greeters’ back into the terminal, and will do so as it is safe.”

ENHANCED CLEANING – “We have instituted an enhanced cleaning schedule utilizing CDC and EPA approved, anti-viral cleaning agents in order to maintain the highest levels of sanitation, particularly at all public areas and touch points. At virtually every turn, we are wiping, washing, spraying and sanitizing high touch point areas like check-in kiosks, hold room seating and concessions spaces.”

HAND SANITIZERS – “Recognizing that hand washing is not always an immediate option, we have deployed hundreds of hand sanitizers in the terminals at check-in security, checkpoints, near restrooms, in the customs hall, and just about everywhere else you may wish to sanitize your hands.”

PPE VENDING MACHINES – “Hand sanitizer and other hygiene products are also sold at retail stores and in PPE vending machines, which dispense sanitary goods such as gels, cleaning wipes, face masks and disposable gloves.”

FLOOR MATS – “Taking lessons learned from around the globe – we began to pilot sanitizing floor mats right here at Newark Terminal B. These mats disinfect the soles of your shoes as you enter the terminals. The results of the pilot will inform a broader role out of this product.”

LIMITED FOOD/BEVERAGE OPTIONS – “Limited food and beverage and travel essential retail options remain open in the terminals. As passenger volumes pick up, more stores will open with contactless payment methods and intuitive social-distancing markers.”

PLEXIGLASS – “Plexiglass barriers have been installed throughout key points in the terminal, such as check in counters, information kiosks, welcome centers and throughout concessions.”

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