x
Breaking News
More () »

How COVID-19 is impacting flights, sanitation at McGhee Tyson Airport

Airport staff is increasing their normal cold and flu season cleaning efforts due to COVID-19 after a passenger who came in contact with the virus traveled here.
Credit: WBIR

ALCOA, Tenn. — Airports around the country are feeling the impact of COVID-19. The State Department is urging all Americans to avoid traveling overseas.

The department issued a Level 4 Advisory, which is its most severe warning. If any Americans are abroad, they're asked to come home immediately

RELATED: Trump ban on travel from Europe escalates pain for airlines

RELATED: President Trump suspends travel from Europe to US for 30 days over coronavirus

Normally lines are long at McGhee Tyson during peak travel times in the morning. This week is different. Airport officials say they are seeing an impact because of COVID-19.

According to Becky Huckaby with the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority, McGhee Tyson is operating as a normal. All flights in and out are domestic, but check with your travel airline for any changes before your flight.

Airport staff is increasing their normal cold and flu season cleaning efforts due to COVID-19.

  • Restrooms are cleaned hourly with multipurpose cleaner, degreaser and sanitizer.
  • No contact vapor sterilizers are used daily with hospital grade disinfectant.
  • Hand sanitizer is in all airport restrooms.
  • The airport has increased cleaning of highly used areas of the terminal building where passengers and guests are.  

This comes after a passenger who came in contact with COVID-19 traveled here.

According to the airport’s website, on March 12th the Knox County Health Department notified the airport that a passenger flying into the airport was exposed to COVID-19 while overseas. That person has been in isolation since they returned to the area. He or she has not required hospitalization. Read the full statement here. 

Right now, the airport authority is working with the Health Department and the CDC to stay up to date on the latest COVID-19 information.

Before You Leave, Check This Out