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COVID-19: FAAN Conducts Demo Exercise Ahead Of Flight Resumption
As countries of the world begins to open up their airspace for commercial activities, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has conducted a demo excercise at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja ahead of flight resumption.
The demo exercise is to test all the protocols designed to curtail the spread of COVID-19 at the Airports which has remained shutdown for over three months to avert further spread of the pandemic when flights resume in line with guidelines necessary for smooth and hygienic operation.
During the airport simulation, ROYAL NEWS observed that a 1.5m physical distance markings, two hand wash areas and bags disinfecting area are put in place.
Also hand sanitizers were placed in strategic locations, while Port Health workers were seen taking temperature levels of intending passengers, and Passengers were mandated to follow all protocols at all times.
Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika who was physically present at the exercise explained that the flight simulation is aimed at achieving and maintaining physical distance with amongst passengers, to wear protective materials such as face mask and face shield.
The Minister also said the simulation is to maintain hygiene, clean the area and surfaces and that is a function of the robot itself apart from identifying the passengers, and lastly to seat in an environment that is clean and hygienic while maintaining physical distancing in the process of boarding the aircraft decontaminated so as not to contaminate others.
“All of the things that has happened here is to ensure we don’t spread COVID-19 19.
“The authorities are ensuring efficient facilitation of passengers so time is not wasted in adopting the new normal,” Sirika said.
He further reiterated that all protocols would be announced again before opening, but passengers need to be at the airport three hours ahead of your flight.
The minnoted that the experience is quite nice but takes a bit of time , adding that while passengers may need to be at the airport three hours before your local flight, international flight, we may do five hours.
Explaining further, Sen. Sirika said ” We have demonstrated here in a mock manner a sick person. You saw how the area was condoned off, the sick taken away to safe area and the scene disinfected. You saw the health workers in their PPEs come around to evacuate the sick person.”
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