CJIA installs thermal cameras, physical distancing markers

With plans to reopen the airports to limited incoming flights from July 1, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) has installed thermal cameras to test the temperatures of passengers as they enter the airport.

The airport’s management also suspended the use of its boarding bridges to ensure that everyone walks by the thermal cameras which will check their temperatures within seconds.

Public Relations Officer at the CJIA, Shunza Samuels told the News Room that the cameras are one of the most effective measures implemented at the airport to guard against COVID-19.

“We set it up in such a way that as arriving passengers pass through, it views their body temperatures live and within seconds, and it helps us to alert the port health officers about above normal body temperatures and they will carry out the necessary COVID related tests,” Samuels explained.

The CJIA has also placed social distancing markers to ensure passengers adhere to distancing protocols.

Additionally, face masks will be mandatory and passengers and visitors at the airport will undergo a temperature test from aviation officers.

Guyana’s international airports are scheduled to re-open on July 1, 2020, to limited incoming flights for citizens, permanent residents, international workers and agencies and diplomats.

However, according to Samuels, persons will have to be tested for COVID-19 before boarding the flight to Guyana.

“It is important that we do not leave anything to chance so we have to ensure that we take all the necessary steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Samuels stated.

The reopening of the airport from July 1 is the first of a phased reopening plan.

The flight schedules are managed by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health and other agencies.