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Coronavirus
As a new strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) swept through the world in 2020, preparedness plans, masking policies and more public policy changed just as quickly. WVXU has covered the pandemic's impact on the Tri-State from the very beginning, when on March 3, 2020, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine barred spectators from attending the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus over concerns about the virus, even though Ohio had yet to confirm a single case of COVID-19.

Here Are The COVID-19 Changes You Can Expect At CVG

CVG
CVG Airport is the first in the U.S. to deploy Avidbots Neo floor-scrubbing robots.

If you're getting ready for your next business trip or feel ready to venture out on a vacation, there are some changes you need to know about at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport in this COVID-19 era.

CVG has installed plexiglass guards at all airline ticket counters and gates. New signage reiterates the need for social distancing and good personal hygiene. Queue lanes are wider inside the TSA security checkpoint to make spacing easier.

According to airport CEO Candace McGraw, "One of the things that's being debated right now (is) should there be temperature checks for passengers? I know there's some conversation going on in Washington about TSA doing temperature checks. I don't know how that's going to play out."

McGraw was the speaker at Tuesday's Eggs 'N Issues event sponsored by theNorthern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

It can be viewed https://vimeo.com/417606002" target="_blank">here.

Do I Have To Wear A Mask?

According to McGraw, "We are encouraging everyone to wear a mask the minute they hit the terminal building. It will not be required but we're strongly encouraging it. Now, the airline employees will have to be wearing them, the airport employees will be wearing them. They'll be everywhere and I know a passenger will need one to board an aircraft."

Credit CVG
This is one example of enhanced cleaning on the baggage level.

A "rigorous cleaning regimen" is underway. Housekeeping teams have increased the number of cleanings at highly trafficked spaces like restrooms. There's even a floor-scrubbing robot. Avidbots Neo is deployed to clean floors throughout the terminal on a continuous basis. It uses AI, cameras and sensors to adapt on the fly.

"It's not exactly a Roomba but it's a souped-up Roomba that does a great job and it's programmed to do deep cleaning and so we have two of those robots that we're testing here," says McGraw.

Ann Thompson has decades of journalism experience in the Greater Cincinnati market and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her reporting.