The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), operator of the country’s gateway Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is set to adopt the guidelines issued by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for the “new normal” for all international and domestic airports in the country. These guidelines aim to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in the Philippines. They are foreseen to be the new way of life for both passengers and airport staff once travel restrictions are lifted and NAIA resumes operations.
Based on the DOTr guidelines:
1. Wearing a face mask when entering the airport facility.
The MIAA has purchased a total of 2,675 boxes (133,750 pieces) of surgical face masks and has initiated the purchase of 4,500 pieces of washable masks to ensure the continuous protection of its workers. “We have to stock-up and be prudent in our distribution especially that wearing of masks will now become the new normal,” according to MIAA General Manager Ed Monreal.
The MIAA sought the assistance of the Bureau of Quarantine in determining what type of PPE is appropriate for its employees given their different work stations. “We want to make sure that they have the right kind of protection as the nature of their jobs would require,” GM Monreal added.
MIAA service providers were also told to provide face masks for their employees and to ensure that they get the kind of protection needed for the kind of work that they do following the recommendation of the Bureau of Quarantine.
2. Everyone entering the airport complex must submit themselves to a mandatory body temperature check.
Already in place, the MIAA shall continue temperature checks at all security checkpoints inside the airport building and vehicle checkpoints within the immediate vicinity of the four (04) NAIA Terminals. Security personnel manning these posts are equipped with 81 infrared thermometer guns.
3. Social distancing measures shall be strictly observed at all queuing points inside and outside the terminal building. When seated, a “one-seat apart policy” shall be enforced.
To further enhance social distancing measures inside the airport, MIAA GM Monreal has directed the installation of acrylic barriers in all check-in counters and help desks in the four NAIA Terminals. As of press time, 57 check-in counters now have acrylic barriers in Terminal 1. Work is still in progress. MIAA is working double-time to complete installation in all the 330 check-in counters in the four Terminals.
Yellow floor markings have also been ordered by MIAA GM in all queuing points. “I call on the airlines most especially, to help us in the implementation by instructing their check-in personnel to monitor passenger compliance to the guideline,” the airport boss said.
4. With the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) taking the lead, security procedures shall be done through a “no contact means” but not limited to the use of walk-through X-ray machines, portable scanners, handheld metal detectors, and the like, effectively limiting pat-down or manual frisking to exceptional instances or situations.
5. Only passengers with valid travel documents and confirmed bookings for the day will be allowed to enter the airport facility.
Based on the MIAA policy, the restriction on the entry of non-airport workers and non-passengers into the NAIA shall remain in effect.
6. Continuous disinfection of all NAIA facilities especially those used for flight operations. These include, among others, aerobridges, baggage conveyors, check-in counters, immigration, customs, and other help desks. Disinfection activities are also done extensively on other airport facilities and equipment such as x-ray machines and trays, inspection tables, pushcarts, wheelchairs, and other frequently touched surfaces.
All comfort rooms in the Terminal buildings, as well as public areas, are continuously cleaned on a 24-hour basis with each comfort room having a steady supply of hand wash, hand sanitizers, toilet paper, and paper towels. MIAA’s utilization of hand sanitizers has remarkably increased over the last 3 months. From 5 gallons a day before COVID, actual use to date is 13 gallons a day.
To better serve passengers, MIAA has set standard features for all its comfort rooms where one will find specific cubicles for Persons with Disability (PWD) and diaper changing tables for passengers traveling with babies or toddlers. Hand dryers are also provided. An all-gender toilet is also co-located in all restroom areas.