By Donna Rempillo
CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga – The Clark International Airport (CRK) is now preparing to operate under the "new normal" by installing social distancing floor markers and signs, installing acrylic partitions on check in counters, general cleaning and disinfecting of the airport facilities, and providing its employees with the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) sets.
Ms. Teri Flores, head of Corporate Communications, Luzon International Premier Airport and Development Corporation (LIPAD) which is in-charge of Clark International Airport, said that CRK stakeholders held a series of meetings in order to align preparations for the "new normal" in compliance with government directives.
Under the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) status, CRK implemented a home-based scheme to majority of its workforce. Only essential personnel needed to be physically present in the terminal such as operations, emergency services, and security were allowed in the vicinity since CRK did not cease the operations of cargo and special flights.
On May 16, the province of Pampanga will transition from ECQ to a General Community Quarantine (GCQ) which allows for some movement to limited working groups. The CRK, located in Clark, Pampanga, assures that it will comply with the guidelines.
“We will comply with the guidelines to be set by CDC and the national government on the number of employees allowed to report for work at one time. Social distancing will have to be followed, as well as mandatory wearing of proper PPEs,” said Flores.
“We are also implementing daily health declaration checks and temperature checks for all employees. Work area assignments have also been adjusted to observe social distancing and face-to-face meetings are discouraged,” she added.
CRK will continue to operate service flights and cargo flights during the transition.
“CRK operations did not cease during the ECQ. We remained operational for cargo and special flights, as prescribed in the ECQ guidelines. Likewise, during GCQ, we shall remain operational and ready to service flights that will be allowed to operate during this time,” she added.