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Tampa International Airport rated one of the most hygienic

The airport is one of just five in North America to earn the recognition.
 
Tampa International Airport CEO Joe Lopano announced that the airport was partnering with BayCare last fall to offer both PCR and rapid antigen COVID-19 tests for air passengers.
Tampa International Airport CEO Joe Lopano announced that the airport was partnering with BayCare last fall to offer both PCR and rapid antigen COVID-19 tests for air passengers. [ SCOTT KEELER | Times ]
Published March 1, 2021|Updated March 1, 2021

The airport often rated tops for its size is now ranked as one of its most hygienic.

Tampa International Airport was one of 33 airports across the globe, and one of only five in North America, to receive the inaugural best hygiene measures award from the Airports Council International. That’s the same organization that last year ranked Tampa International best of its size in North America.

Like other airports, Tampa International has seen ridership plummet then slowly rebuild during the pandemic.

Early last year, the airport rolled out a program to encourage mask usage, stepped up cleaning of high-touch areas, added plastic shields in service areas and social distancing markers. In October, the airport joined with BayCare to offer two types of COVID-19 testing for arriving and departing passengers. More than 17,000 people have used the service.

“From day one, the health and safety of our passengers, guests and employees has been our top priority, so receiving this recognition is particularly meaningful,” said Airport CEO Joe Lopano. “We have worked tirelessly over the past year to make our guests feel safe when they decide to resume flying. I’m incredibly proud of our team for all the hard work that made this possible.”

The recognition was based on passenger answers to survey questions.