Dozens of TSA workers at Orlando International Airport are calling out sick every day as the highly infectious Omicron variant spreads.So far, these new cases haven’t affected wait times at security checkpoints at the airport.
Travelers: Winter Storm #Garrett ❄️ is causing flight delays and cancellations today in the Northeast. Check with your airline for your flight status before leaving home. The FAA does not cancel flights. Visit https://t.co/smgdqJN3td for airport delays. #BeSafe #winterstorm #snow https://t.co/Eu0MjUooqU pic.twitter.com/l8bsD0obRk
— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) January 7, 2022
Some 15 TSA workers tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday at the Orlando International Airport as Omicron continues to surge.
Federal Security Director Pete Garcia says sick workers will remain out of the airport until they are cleared to return by a doctor.
In an email to staff, Garcia warns officers to, “remain aware of your surroundings and take appropriate preventative measures against COVID-19 transmission.”
He says that includes wearing a facial covering that covers the nose and mouth, cleaning frequently used surfaces, and practicing good hand hygiene.
A spokesperson for the TSA says despite all these call-outs at MCO, wait times at security checkpoints haven’t been affected.
Even on a day when the TSA screened some 67,000 passengers at the airport the maximum wait time remained around 30 minutes.
That’s good news as more winter storms are expected to bring flight delays and cancellations this weekend.
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