Rochester International Airport announces plans for protocols and procedures amid coronavirus

Rochester, MN (May 14, 2020) –Rochester International Airport (RST), in collaboration with federal, state and local partners, today announced a comprehensive plan for updating protocols and enhancing procedures for the health and safety of customers and employees in response to coronavirus (COVID-19).

“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.”

RST initiated changes:

• Paper or cloth masks required for all airport employees and airport tenant employees.
• All customer/passengers in the public areas of the terminal building are strongly encouraged to wear a mask.
• 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.

“RST will continue to monitor the developing situation and is prepared to navigate the challenging circumstances remaining steadfast in our mission to provide exceptional, customer-first service,” said Reed. “RST began service in 1928 to meet the travel needs of Mayo Clinic patients and staff. This partnership has shaped the future of the airport. We will continue to build on the strength of our partnerships with the community, region, airlines, general aviation government entities, non-profits and tenants. We want customers to feel confident about flying in and out of RST ensuring the experience is convenient and comfortable and one that exceeds the health, safety and security standards.”

Rochester International Airport

Rochester International Airport (RST) is owned by the City of Rochester and operated by the Rochester Airport Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mayo Clinic. The Rochester International Airport is served daily by United Airlines, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. RST accommodates over 370,000 passengers annually, providing air service to Southeast MN and border regions of Iowa and Wisconsin. Stay connected to RST at FlyRST.com and on Facebook /RochesterAirport and Twitter @flyrst.

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Rochester International Airport Media contact:

Laura Archbold

[email protected]

507-202-2652