June 12th, 2020 – Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter and MacArthur Airport Commissioner Shelley LaRose-Arken announced today, two new cutting-edge measures that have been installed at Long Island MacArthur Airport, designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
This week, the airport began the installation of Silver Defender adhesive films to high-touch surfaces, such as water fountains, elevator buttons and bathroom door handles, as another layer of COVID-19 protection. MacArthur Airport is the first airport in the nation to add Silver Defender adhesive film to keep frequent touchpoints germ-free. This measure is in addition to the CASPR Air Purification System already in place at Long Island MacArthur Airport-the first airport in the nation to use this leading-edge technology to continuously disinfect air and surfaces.
“Long Island MacArthur Airport is an economic engine for our region. We believe that getting people back to work, and back to their families and to the things they enjoy after COVID-19, is a vital role. We intend to put the necessary energy and leadership behind that goal,” explained Supervisor Carpenter.
“As our community reopens and our customers plan to travel, we are ready to provide our passengers with peace of mind. We want travelers to know that MacArthur Airport is constantly innovating and taking steps to ensure the terminal is clean and comfortable,” said Commissioner LaRose-Arken.
Silver Defender uses a silver ion coating that deactivates bacteria and viruses, and is harmless to people and pets. Each coating provides protection for 90 days, and replacement wraps are in stock at ISP to ensure customer protection into the future. New Jersey-based Silver Defender manufactures the antimicrobial films that pierce the outside cell membrane of germs, interrupting their DNA.
Silver Defender and other disinfecting measures do not replace hand washing or other CDC guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. They do combine to provide a clean terminal environment, and work in tandem with the stringent sanitizing methods airlines are incorporating onboard aircraft.
On May 8, Long Island MacArthur Airport became the first airport in the nation to install and activate a continuous air and surface pathogen reduction technology, CASPR, to safeguard its customers. The system was an innovative and important step that positions the airport as a leader in travel industry recovery post-COVID-19.
“COVID-19 was tragic and devastating to so many families and businesses. With tenacity and hope, our airport leadership went to work on finding wise and science-based methods to safely return people to work, recognizing that the highest standards of sanitation and health for our customers and employees was a priority,” said Supervisor Carpenter. “The people of Long Island are always strong in spirit and creative in their thinking. We put our focus on being ready to fulfill essential travel needs, and quickly moved forward to ensure their level of comfort.”
Recognizing that customers may need supplies to feel safe while traveling, MacArthur Airport is providing a new vending machine that distributes Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as face coverings, sanitizer and wipes.
“Customers can purchase PPE from the travel vending machine outside the TSA checkpoint north wall. We want to make it easy for customers to fly safely and comfortably with the new health and safety requirements,” LaRose-Arken said.
The vending machines are also touchless, so customers can pay with their phones and fly healthy with additional peace of mind..
“The extra space at MacArthur Airport along with other measures we continue to evaluate and implement, make Long Island’s hometown airport a safe and healthy travel option when our customers are ready. We look forward to welcoming travelers visiting family, taking an inexpensive flight, planning a summer vacation, or getting back to business travel. We plan to continue to identify new flight options and take cutting-edge actions as the recovery and reopening continue,” said Supervisor Carpenter.
