BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 16th October 2020)-A top airport employee has explained that at the Welcome Centre- being built- at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport, passengers will be tested using temperature screening devices and only be allowed to proceed further to immigration of the arrival hall area according to the reading.
Members of the media had an opportunity to see the construction work being carried out, in response to COVID-19 health and safety passenger movement arrangements, during a tour event held on Wednesday 7th October 2020, organised by the St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA).
As gathered from the airport employee,who chose not to be named, should a passenger get a high temperature reading then he or she would be taken to the medical centre to be assessed by health professionals.
The welcome Centre is being constructed on the tarmac area outside the arrival hall section while the VIP Lounge, located nearby, is currently being transformed into a medical area.
Minister of Tourism, Transport and Ports Lindsay Grant, during the media ceremony listed areas for access guidelines expected to begin on Sunday18th October 2020, which comes 14 days before the borders reopen on Saturday 31st October.
Such areas include restricted parking, passenger drop-off rules and wearing of face masks.
“Access to the airport would be restricted to persons with documented evidence and proof of the need to transact business at the airport, airport staff on schedule with identification and passengers with the relevant travel documentation. This means that the National Bank airport outlet and the Sky Grill Restaurant will no longer be serving the local community; of course they would serve those up at the airport.”
Additionally, he said only the NEOC (National Emergency Operation Centre) and SKTA (St. Kitts Tourism Authority) approved taxis and tour operating buses would be allowed on the compound in limited quantities.
According to Grant, parking would not be allowed for private vehicles; only passengers’ drop off allowed which he says “is very important.”
Additionally, he stated that vehicle traffic would not be allowed under the canopy as the area is reserved for passengers who are departing.
The Ports Minister said there would be no access to the airport compound without wearing face masks.
“This, I understand is already in place,…Exempt persons must present relevant medical certification of exemption to be allowed not to wear the mask. Additionally, the relevant signage would be installed including physical distance stickers on the seating and the flooring. Video infomercials would be displayed throughout the facility, security patrols intensified, and staff would be equipped with the necessary PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).”
Grant highlighted that in the coming weeks, “there would be a heightened public campaign, using of course the traditional media and social media illustrating the arriving and the departing process as well as what to expect when the borders reopen on October 31st 2020.” That day, over EC$50,000 worth of medical equipment of thirty four (34) TriMedika Non-Contact Medical Grade Thermometers and one (1) HIK Vision Temperature Screening Thermographic Handheld Camera were donated to SCASAPA by Innotech Services Limited (of Barbados), handed over by the Chairman Anthony Dasilva.