Staying Healthy at Halifax Stanfield
When Nova Scotia became the first province in Canada to impose restrictions on inter-provincial travel, it was clear that COVID-19 would not just disrupt international air travel but would significantly impact domestic travel as well.
Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) assembled a Recovery Task Force to begin planning the recovery efforts that would be required in the upcoming months, and even years. Led by Paul Baxter, Senior Vice President Operations & Chief Operating Officer at HIAA, the Recovery Task Force’s mandate was to produce a Recovery Plan that will guide how HIAA rebuilds passenger confidence and revenue, and manages evolving operational and human resource requirements. The plan also focuses on modelling the future, to understand not only the passenger recovery, but how the industry will respond in terms of regulations, technologies, and passenger processing models that establish a safe, secure, operationally efficient and financially responsible post-pandemic airport operating model.
"We knew that when the time was right, instilling passenger confidence would be key to rebuilding passenger traffic and air service lost due to COVID-19,” said Baxter.
In Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada, COVID-19 cases have remained relatively low throughout the pandemic. However, the region has some of the strictest travel restrictions in North America, and many residents don’t want to see them lifted any time soon. An August 2020 poll from Nova Scotia-based Narrative Research shows that most Nova Scotians are opposed to opening Atlantic Canada’s borders to the rest of Canada.
For the team at HIAA, these unique challenges presented an opportunity to jump into action. In March, HIAA began to implement health and safety measures for travellers at Halifax Stanfield, which now fall under the umbrella of its ‘Stay Healthy’ campaign launched in June. Using the same familiar and warm tone that the airport has become known for, these digital and printed campaign materials are recognizable for their bright colours and clear messaging.
The campaign focuses on four main health and safety measures, all of which help build passenger trust in resuming air travel:
Masks are mandatory for everyone in the terminal building and parkade
In alignment with public health recommendations and Transport Canada requirements, HIAA implemented a mandatory mask rule on June 22nd for everyone at the airport, including passengers and airport workers. Masks must be worn at all times in the terminal building and parkade, as they are an added layer of protection, especially in settings where physical distancing is not possible.
Physical distancing measures are to be respected whenever possible
Physical distancing is a key health and safety measure in slowing the spread of COVID-19. Passengers are asked to maintain a 2 metre (6 ft) distance from anyone outside their travel companion bubble. This is not always possible, which is why masks are mandatory and plexiglass barriers have been installed in strategic locations at the airport.
Wait outside for pick-up and drop-off
To support physical distancing, dropping off or picking up loved ones should take place outside. Access to the terminal building at Halifax Stanfield is limited to passengers and airport workers, to reduce the number of people in the airport at any given time. If a passenger requires assistance, one person may go in to help them, always wearing a mask.
Wash your hands frequently
Frequently washing your hands with soap and warm water while travelling will help prevent the spread of germs. When handwashing is not possible, passengers are encouraged to carry hand sanitizer or use the hand sanitizing stations at Halifax Stanfield, which have been deployed around the terminal and parkade for passengers’ convenience.
By working with cleaning company Bee Clean, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, the federal and provincial governments, public health officials and many other airport partners, HIAA is ensuring the necessary precautions are being taken to create a safe and healthy airport environment for work and travel.
“The health and safety of passengers, visitors and employees will always be our top priority,” said Joyce Carter, President & CEO, HIAA. “We’re here to help passengers along every step of their journey. By doing so, we hope to instill passenger confidence and remind travellers that air travel can be done safely, so our community can connect with their loved ones again.”
Learn more about this campaign at halifaxstanfield.ca/stayhealthy.