Dr. Atwine said the government would first address the risks and ensure that the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) puts in place measures that travelers must adhere to.
"There is a plan to reopen Entebbe International Airport but we will wait for scientists to give us a report on the standard operating procedures (SOPs) presented to them by UCAA before a decision is reached to reopen the facility," Atwine said in a statement.
The report confirms that some of the measures require all passengers to arrive early, wear face coverings at all times, maintain social distancing, handwashing, or use of sanitizers and must go through a protracted slow check-in process.
Some measures as developed by CAA include installation of automated sanitizer at strategic points, marks at the airport to ensure social distancing, acquire temperature guns, three ultra-modern scans, which detect the temperature at a 30-meter distance and these will be put in the waiting lounge and rooms of Very Important Persons (VIPs).
Others are erection of executive tents at the airside and these will be used for screening and isolation to identify symptoms and testing for Covid-19.
Upon resumption of flights, passengers will be expected to arrive four hours earlier due to several checks.
There has also been the development of glass shields between those interfacing with passengers to reduce direct contact, and taps in the airport washrooms have been changed from touch to non-touchable.
Passengers with any of the symptoms of the novel coronavirus will be blocked from accessing the airport
A statement by Mr. Vianney Luggya, UCAA spokesperson says, a decision to reopen the airport depends on many factors and is only reached after thorough consultations with all stakeholders.
"You cannot see other country reopening and you also rush to reopen without considering key measures. The decision to reopen the airport can only be taken by the government". He added.
Share this:
Post a Comment