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FAA: Peoria Air Traffic Control Personnel Test Positive for COVID-19

The Federal Aviation Administration said personnel at the Peoria International Airport air traffic control tower tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday.

It's unclear how many FAA personnel working out of the Peoria tower tested positive for the coronavirus. Normal operations were continuing as of Sunday morning, with flights still entering and departing the airport.

"Like much of the country, the Federal Aviation Administration is experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases at air traffic facilities and other offices across the nation. Despite the challenges, our commitment to safety will not waver," said the FAA in a statement posted to its website.

The agency has provided little specific information about the Peoria control tower beyond an officially-maintained Google Map of positive COVID-19 cases at FAA control towers throughout the U.S.

An agency spokesman confirmed the information posted to the map was accurate, and forwarded a copy of the generic FAA coronavirus statement posted last Friday.

Peoria International Airport director Gene Olson said the the air traffic control tower space is leased out to the FAA and operates separately from the airport. He referred questions to the FAA.

A Peoria County public information officer said they were unaware of any press conference plans at this time. Local officials are holding weekday COVID-19 media briefings. Weekend updates are being provided via e-mail. A total of five positive cases are currently confirmed in the Tri-County area.

The air traffic control tower at Chicago's Midway Airport closed for cleaning after personnel tested positive there last Tuesday. Contact tracing, self-quarantine, and evaluations are ongoing for employees at that tower.

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Tim Shelley is the News Director at WCBU Peoria Public Radio.