If your driver’s license is expired, don’t worry about getting through airport security checkpoints.

The Transportation Security Administration is now allowing a grace period for those who haven’t been able to get their licenses renewed amid the coronavirus pandemic as people work on social distancing, reports The Arizona Republic, which is part of the USA TODAY Network.

As of March 1, TSA started allowing people to use an expired license as identification at airport security checkpoints for one year after the expiration date.

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

TSA plans to keep this policy in place until 60 days after the coronavirus national emergency is lifted.

TSA will allow those with driver’s licenses that expired beginning March 1, and who are not able to renew their license, to use it as acceptable ID at checkpoints for 1 year after expiration date, plus 60 days after the #COVID19 national emergency: https://t.co/wn6dItY9zB pic.twitter.com/4MP04hQhma

New TSA airport procedures

The agency said last week it will allow passengers to bring liquid hand sanitizer containers up to 12 ounces in carry-on bags, though they may be screened separately.

There are also new recommendations centered on items that go in your pockets. TSA says not to place personal items such as wallets, keys or phone in a bin. Instead, secure those items in your carry-ons, which will be screened through the X-ray system.

TSA agents are being encouraged to regularly wash their hands, cover their coughs and wear surgical masks if they wish to do so. Officers are also required to wear gloves, and swabs used to check passengers’ luggage will not be reused. 

With hundreds of travelers going through airport security checkpoints each hour, TSA recommends travelers follow CDC guidelines and wash their hands before and after completing the security screening process.

11 TSA offers positive for coronavirus

Transportation Security Administration officers at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport have tested positive for the coronavirus, the agency said Thursday. According to the agency’s website, that brings the number of positive tests among officers to 11.

The TSA said the officer in Newark is a checked bag screener who did not come in direct contact with air passengers.

Since last week, eight other TSA officers have tested positive for the coronavirus at airports in San Jose, California; Orlando and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Atlanta and Cleveland.

On Tuesday, three Federal Aviation Administration technicians tested positive for the coronavirus at Chicago Midway Airport, prompting the temporary closure of the airport’s air traffic control tower.

Enrollment centers closed for Global Entry, other travel program

Meanwhile, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced Wednesday it would temporarily suspend operations at Trusted Traveler Program enrollment centers nationwide from Thursday, March 19, until at least May 1. 

The closures include public access to Global Entry enrollment centers, NEXUS enrollment centers, SENTRI enrollment centers and FAST enrollment locations. 

Conditionally-approved applicants will need to reschedule enrollment center interviews after May 1.

Related video: TSA Now Allowing Passengers to Have Large Bottles of Hand Sanitizer in Carry-On Bags (Provided by Veuer)

• 

  Determined to still travel, then a forced change
  Maria Cousins, who’s from New Zealand, was set to start some big travel plans despite the coronavirus outbreak, but a development beyond her control halted her plans.
  
  CNN

• 

  The surprising rise of climbing in ‘flat’ Uruguay
  Often visitors are taken aback by Uruguay’s distinct lack of mountains, and yet, rock climbing is a growing activity in the South American country — once people realise it’s possible. ARRANGED IN SEQUENCESN°1PR5U9
  
  AFP

• 

  5 of the most beautiful places to travel to in spring
  If you’re up for a new adventure, check out five of the most beautiful places to travel to in spring.
  
  Buzz60

Source: Read Full Article