The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), which operates and maintains Toronto Pearson Airport, has launched an infectious disease mitigation program with support from BlueDot outbreak risk software.
Toronto Pearson’s “Healthy Airport” commitment outlines the steps the facility and its partners are taking in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure a safe experience for travellers and airport employees. BlueDot, a company specializing in advanced data analytics and technologies to predict and monitor infectious disease risks, has entered a strategic partnership with GTAA that will support this endeavour.
The commitment and health measures included in this program are aligned with the global aviation measures established by the International Civil Aviation Authority, International Air Transport Association, and Transport Canada’s framework for addressing COVID-19 and the recovery of the aviation sector.
“Toronto Pearson is an international leader in the aviation sector, having set the standard for exceptional passenger service among large North American airports for three years in a row,” said Deborah Flint, president and CEO of the GTAA, in a statement. “As government restrictions on air travel begin to be lifted and flights increase, Toronto Pearson is ready, and we are intent on exceeding international standards.”
Dr. Kamran Khan, founder and CEO of BlueDot and practicing infectious disease physician, commented, “Smarter airports deliver a safer experience for travellers. And safer travellers contribute to a healthier world. BlueDot is incredibly proud to partner with the GTAA to use advanced data analytics and digital technologies to stay a step ahead of global infectious disease risks.”
Elements of the “Healthy Airports” initiative include touchless check-in, a disinfection corridor for airport workers, facility monitoring for congestion, autonomous floor cleaning machines, and air quality monitors. Additionally, the GTAA has partnered with BlueDot to monitor and manage risk from COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
More than 400 organizations operate out of Toronto Pearson. Many are implementing health and cleaning measures and are working with the GTAA to ensure their employees comply with the airport’s new commitment. Airport-wide workforce education sessions on infectious disease mitigation have been instituted, and the GTAA is also working with public health officials and a growing number of airport employers to develop a voluntary COVID-19 case log. In addition, the GTAA is working with Wipro, a global technology company, to conduct a pilot of wearable tracing and physical distancing technology for airport workers.
