"TSA understands that COVID-19 (coronavirus) is at the forefront on the minds of travelers, as health officials are encouraging that individuals wash their hands frequently," the agency wrote in a statement at the time.However, these changes did not go far enough, Brainard said, according to AP.
The TSA website stated as of Wednesday that 997 of its employees have tested positive for COVID-19. In addition, six employees have died, as well as one screening contractor.Following Brainard's complaints, the TSA's parent agency, the Homeland Security Department, was ordered by the Office of Special Counsel to investigate his claims. According to Brainard's attorney Tom Devine, Homeland Security then ordered the TSA "to investigate itself," AP reported.Recent changes were made by the TSA, however. These changes include requiring screeners to change or sanitize their gloves between passengers screened and to wear face shields in the absence of plastic barriers, according to AP."This is the fastest I've ever seen an agency make changes" after a whistleblower complaint, explained Devine, who works with the Government Accountability Project, AP reported. He added that the agency was still at fault for not making changes regarding protective gear until Brainard filed his complaint.A TSA spokesman confirmed to AP that Brainard met with TSA administrator John Pekoske last week, but did not state if the changes were made as a result.Rachel Wolf contributed to this report.
TSA implements new COVID-19 safety measures following whistleblower claims
The whistleblower revealed that the TSA did not give its staff training to adapt to the coronavirus outbreak.
