AIRPORT OPERATING NORMALLY
Press Release El Dorado International Airport
March 16, 2020
Bogota, March 16, 2020. For El Dorado International Airport, it's community, and collaborators who oversee the daily operations, the welfare of thousands of passengers who travel daily, will always be a priority.
Opain, authorized operator of the International Airport El Dorado, in charge of the passenger terminal, the Civil Aeronautics and Migration Colombia, follow the given provisions by the National Government, the District Secretariat of Health, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection and Ministry of Transport.
Facing this critical and exceptional situation, we reiterate our constant readiness to respond in the fastest and most timely manner possible and are commited to follow the indications of relevant entities. Each area is working constantly to follow and implement the given protocols.
As part of the continuous improvement we must strive for, we have closed off the water fountiains to avoid infection, we have also reinforced the spread of information in the domestic terminal, and have installed new dispensers of antibacterial gel and increased staff presence, in order to provide information for passengers in a timely manner regarding the recommendations and protocols for controlling the COVID-19 situation.
This will permanently complement other measures already implemented earlier among which are:
- Updated emergency plan containing the Biological Hazard Protocol, in order to mitigate the entry of Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) diseases, which was implemented by the Ministry of Social Protection, the District Department of Health, the Civil Aeronautics and Opain and was intended to respond to emergencies biohazard. Within the protocol there are procedures and roles for each of the areas and/or entities involved.
- Strengthening cleanup actions at the terminal in order to prevent the spread of the virus: involves a team of professionals working 24/7 to ensure we offer clean and disinfected spaces which in turn have also replaced traditional disinfectants with a a broad spectrum alternative. The terminal has 54 bathrooms batteries, each consisting an area for women, a men's room and a family bathroom, so that all users can wash their hands as care and prevention are crucial.
- The spread of information throughout various channels of the airport, such as the website, informational banners, operation displays, commercial displays and social networks to disseminate the recommendations given by authorities and entities. All screens show airport information and prevention videos of the Ministry of Health and our networks have made more than 85 publications in this regard.
- Socialization campaigns with the District Department of Health for the entire airport community which were attended by more than 200 commmercial property renters and over 250 employees.
- Emphasis on international controls, understanding that the virus is of international origin. Therefore, the protocols for international airports are fundamentally different from those ports solely serving domestic travel.
- Organization of permanent work sessions with the competent authorities.
- Enhanced the layout of the immigration area to help migration management in Colombia verification cases.
- Signange has beeen increased, focusing on preventive measures as indicated by the Ministry of Health.
- The creation of a health declaration form, for those entering the country.
- Questioning travelers in the security filters.
- Strengthening controls and increased staff available to perform temperature control of international travelers and the corresponding screening.
- In the event of an alert, Airport Health is responsible for transferring symptomatic related travelers to the designated health facilities and folow up coordination with airlines for review and deployment of the corresponding protocol travelers, among other measures.
The evolution of the COVID-19 has led governments worldwide to update the regulations and protocols constantly, so we are always stay attentive to the dynamics of these changes to ensure full implementation. We will continue to provide unconditional support to the National Government and all authorities to adequately deal with this difficult situation and implement new measures for the benefit of all.
We are passionately working hard, together, and continue to be receptive to all comments that involve our handling of the crisis by users, authorities and other stakeholders in order to improve and strengthen our management. This situation is new for everyone, but we are willing to face it in the best way.
More information for the press:
Alexandra Ángel I OPAIN I Head of Communications I Tel: 439 70 70 Ext 8014 Paola Moreno I Albión Account Director Group Communication I Cel.: 301 2285504
