North Star Air implements rapid COVID-19 screening at Sioux Lookout, Thunder Bay airports

Tim Brody - Editor

Passengers flying with North Star Air will now be required to take the COVID-19 rapid screening test at the Thunder Bay and Sioux Lookout Airports prior to boarding their flight.

According to North Star Air, COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Screening, with results in as little as fifteen minutes, will supplement and not replace the mandatory requirements for health questionnaires, temperature checks and facemasks. “This is a critically important program. It’s another layer of protection that we offer our customers, our communities and our staff,” stated Jeff Stout, President of North Star Air.

Thunder Bay and Sioux Lookout Airports have provided support by allocating secure locations within their Airports for the screening to take place. 

“We have provided a room at the airport for the testing site in addition to chairs needed for the set up,” the Municipality of Sioux Lookout informed.

“While there are costs involved with the screening, North Star Air is offering this service free of charge to all passenger flight customers,” the company shared.

“We’ve stepped up the layers of protection for the good of the North. Our communities have always been concerned and employing various protocols to minimize the spread of COVID within their communities. This is very much needed”  said Chief Harvey Yesno of Eabametoong 

First Nation. 

Chief Cornelius Benson of North Caribou First Nation added “We are very happy with this initiative that will bring more safety to our community.” 

Stout further commented, “In order to get this program online we understand there are costs that we as an airline will need to absorb, however we are calling on all levels of government to provide financial assistance. This should be a cost neutral service for the customer and the airline. We’re only halfway there today (April 1).” 

North Star Air is the first airline to offer rapid test screening at the Sioux Lookout Airport.