DATE: January 30, 2020
TO: All TSA personnel at LGA, HPN, ISP, SWF
FROM: Federal Security Director Robert Duffy
SUBJECT: TSA Surgical Masks at Airports
In response to the requests we have received from our workforce regarding the wearing of protective masks while on passenger screening duty at our airports, I want to take this opportunity to provide you with the latest information from TSA-HQ.
This afternoon at 1500, I listened to a conference call from TSA HQ that provided the following information: The TSA is shipping supplies of surgical masks to the 17 airports which receive direct flights from China. Deliveries may begin as soon as tomorrow, January 31 at many airports in the continental US. Deliveries to remote areas such as territories in the Pacific will take a little longer. All officers at those 17 airports are authorized and encouraged to wear the surgical masks after completing a very simple Read and Sign training to ensure proper use of the masks.
For those airports such as ours who do not have direct flights from China, we too are authorized to wear surgical masks on a voluntary basis. We have already assessed our needs and submitted a request to TSA HQ. We will purchase surgical masks through a Blanket Purchase Agreement that is being finalized at TSA HQ as of this writing. For anyone who wants to purchase their own surgical mask, you may do so, but will not be reimbursed by the TSA. The Read and Sign training must be completed by everyone who wants to wear a surgical mask. Please be advised that a surgical mask is recommended rather than the common N-95 masks. For the N-95 mask to be effective, the wearer must be clean-shaven to ensure a proper fit. The surgical masks are approved by OSHA but must be worn properly, thus the need for the Read and Sign training.
The wearing of masks is voluntary not mandated. We are notifying our stakeholders for their situational awareness of this precaution being offered to all TSA officers engaged in passenger screening due to our face to face interactions with the traveling public every day. Our VIPR team officers at LGA are included in this authorization. As I receive more information as to the distribution of TSA provided masks and the required training, I will let you know immediately.
Please be assured that we care about you and your well-being and are committed to taking all precautions and necessary actions to address your concerns and keeping you safe.
Thank you all for your continuous commitment to the TSA mission every day.
