The newly approved policy establishes the responsibility of those employed at the landside and airside terminals at Orlando International Airport. Credit: Dough4872.

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) Board has approved a new Covid-19 safety policy requiring all 22,000 badged employees of Orlando International Airport (MCO) to wear facial coverings inside public areas.

The new policy is part of GOAA’s measures to further improve the safety of travellers and airport employees.

Greater Orlando Aviation Authority CEO Phil Brown: “We continue to update our protocols to reflect the concerns of the community and inspire confidence among the travelling public.

“This new policy adds an extra layer of protection by encouraging procedures for our employees and confidence to the users of the airport that we are serious about promoting social distancing and personal hygiene.”

GOAA’s mission statement and strategic plan focus on the importance of providing safe and secure facilities.

Orlando International Airport hopes more passengers will arrive at these facilities as airlines begin to adjust their schedules.

Under the newly approved policy, personnel employed at the landside and airside terminals and associated infrastructures are required to comply with recommended safety measures.

It is applicable to all employees who are given a security badge by the GOAA and will be in effect for a time period directed by the CEO.

As directed by the Centers for Disease Control, badged personnel are required to maintain social distancing, wherever practicable.

They should also use facial coverings, which can be medical, industrial or homemade masks to deter the spread of the coronavirus or similar infections, based on their job functions at the Orlando International Airport.

Personnel can temporarily remove facial coverings for identification.