WASHINGTON - The bipartisan duo of Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) introduced a bill (S. 4623 (116)) that would require TSA to test temperature screening technologies, with the expectation of eventually rolling out a nationwide policy for checks at airports, your MT host reported on Friday. TSA has, so far, declined to perform the checks on its own and deferred to a recommendation that airports and airlines do them instead. However, airlines have mounted a monthslong push for federal action. Airlines for America, the Association of Flight Attendants International, the U.S. Travel Association and the Transportation Trades Department support the measure, Stephanie Beasley writes for Politico. Continue reading original article.
The Intelligent Aerospace take:
September 24, 2020 - Like many businesses and government agencies, the TSA has implemented policies to combat the spread of COVID-19 like social distancing, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, and agents wearing personal protective equipment. Despite efforts, More than 1,900 employees have tested positive for the virus.
Because TSA agents are among the first to see and screen passengers for safety issues, under the bipartisan senate bill, they would also be asked to screen passengers for elevated temperature, which is a symptom of COVID-19. The bill is supported by airlines and airline employee unions.
Related: Mitsubishi postpones regional jet program due to COVID-19 disruptions, says GlobalData
Related: Pressure mounts for airline aid
Jamie Whitney, Associate Editor
Intelligent Aerospace
