The sun rises behind the air traffic control tower at McCarran International airport, Thursday, March 19, 2020, in Las Vegas.
Wednesday, March 18, 2020 | 11:20 p.m.
McCarran International Airport has temporarily ceased operations at its air traffic control tower while officials investigate a possible case of COVID-19, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
The tower was shut down after a staffer “potentially tested positive” for the novel virus that has caused 69 confirmed infections in Southern Nevada, with one death.
The Las Vegas Terminal Radar Approach Control, a backup facility, which is part of a “longstanding contingency plan,” has taken control of the airspace, the FAA said late Wednesday in a news release.
“Each facility across the country has a similar plan that has been updated and tested in recent years,” the release said.
The change will continue until officials are able to “ensure a safe work environment for air traffic controllers and technicians.”
Although the airport remains open, operations “will continue at a reduced rate” for an undetermined amount of time, the FAA said in a news release.
Further details were not immediately available.
