Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport ramps up cleaning efforts amid coronavirus
by Ida Domingo
Tuesday, March 17th 2020
ROANOKE, Va. (WSET) — Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) is ramping up cleaning efforts in response to the ongoing spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
According to the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission (RRAC), they have a communication network established with important federal, state and local partners to closely monitor the outbreak.
“The Airport Commission has been vigilant and proactive in our approach to maintain a healthy environment for all travelers, stakeholders, and staff. Our primary goal is to prevent transmission through disinfection of facilities, raising awareness of public health measures, and reducing person-toperson transmission,” the RRAC wrote in a release.
Below are the procedures implemented at ROA for coronavirus prevention:
- Hand sanitizers strategically placed and additional units ordered for deployment throughout the terminal complex at ROA
- ROA custodial staff have increased their disinfection efforts in the following high traffic areas: door handles, escalator handrails, elevator controls, countertops, paper towel/toilet paper dispensers, tables, chairs, vinyl seating, parking equipment, and ticket counter podiums.
- ROA has confirmed through discussion with airline personnel that public-facing equipment (including self-check-in kiosks) are disinfected throughout the day.
- ROA has received guidance from TSA that passengers should wash/sanitize their hands before and after the checkpoint. Additionally, wallets, phones, and keys kept in carry-on baggage and not placed in a bin.
- Signage outlining the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) best practices are located in all restrooms and heavy public traffic areas.
- ROA distributed an internal email to all airport stakeholders outlining best practices for cleaning public areas from the World Health Organization (WHO) and CDC.
- The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced 51 confirmed cases of the coronavirus Monday, March 16.
To lower the risk of respiratory germ spread, including COVID-19, the Virginia Department of Health encourages the following effective behaviors:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
- Stay home when you are sick
- Avoid contact with sick people
- Avoid non-essential travel
Photo Credit: Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) is ramping up cleaning efforts in response to the ongoing spread of the coronavirus. (WSET)