Co-workers and family are remembering Eduard Faktorovich, a Denver-based Transportation Security Administration officer who died Monday due to complications from COVID-19.
Faktorovich joined the TSA in late April 2018 and worked exclusively at the Denver International Airport. His last date on-duty was November 2, 2020.
In a statement, the agency said colleagues remember him as a kind and respectful person who always had a smile on his face.
“Although Eduard was with TSA for only two and half years, the entire team in Denver is saddened by the loss of one [of] their own,” the agency wrote.
The local ABC affiliate in Denver spoke to Faktorovich’s niece, Megan Faktorovich, who said her uncle was eager to explore the world.
“He had a knack for mapping out adventures. He’s been to so many places,” she told Denver7 Tuesday.
Megan said her uncle had pre-existing conditions and was trepidatious about working during the pandemic.
“He didn’t really want to go to work, but he felt like he had to because he had to help those people.”
According to TSA data, nearly 3,000 employees across the United States have tested positive for COVID-19. Nine, including Faktorovich, have died.
“Eduard’s death is a reminder to all of us at TSA of the ongoing seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic. We remain committed to continuing to take every precaution to help protect our workforce as well as airline travelers,” the agency said.
Navigating The TSA Line During The Pandemic
If you plan to travel by air soon, here are a few easy tips to help you stay safe before boarding a flight.
- Wash your hands before and after entering a TSA screening line. If it is not possible to wash your hands, use hand sanitizer.
- When possible, keep at least six feet between you and anyone around. And remember, six feet is a minimum, so if you have the space, use it.
- In any case, wear a mask. The CDC now recommends we wear masks even when social distancing is possible.
- Get prepared. Listen to any special rules coming from TSA agents. If belts and shoes are being removed, do so before you put your bags on the line. Empty your pockets and make sure your phone, keys, and wallet are safe in a carry-on bag.
- Arrive early. COVID-19 has affected staffing and airport operations, so the pre-flight process might take longer than usual.
For more detailed guidance, reference the TSA’s general guidelines. They’ve also released holiday-specific travel guidelines.
