TSA installs acrylic barriers at Portland International Airport to help protect workforce and passengers from COVID-19

Local Press Release
Wednesday, October 14, 2020

PORTLAND, Oregon - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has completed installation of new acrylic barriers in the security checkpoints at Portland International Airport (PDX) as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

A total of eight protective barriers have been installed at PDX in locations where TSA officers typically interact with passengers. This includes the travel document checking podium and the divesting area where travelers prepare their carry-on property for x-ray screening. The barriers are in place at both security checkpoints.

“TSA continues to make changes to the security checkpoint environment nationally and locally to reduce potential exposure among travelers and our employees,” said TSA Federal Security Director for Oregon Stephen Taber. “These barriers have proven to be an effective addition to the infrastructure of the checkpoint without comprising security.”  

TSA continues to promote its “Stay Healthy. Stay Secure.” campaign designed to advise travelers of airport checkpoint modifications and procedures designed to contain the spread of COVID-19. These include social distancing, reduced physical contact between travelers and TSA officers during the screening process; use of Personal Protective Equipment by TSA officers; and extra cleaning and disinfecting in the security checkpoint.

Earlier this year, TSA awarded a contract to purchase and install 1,230 acrylic barriers at 37 priority airports nationwide. Travelers are reminded to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel guidance as well as local and state advisories regarding COVID-19. For more information about the TSA response to COVID-19, please visit tsa.gov.

###