Commercial Fixed Wing
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 8
Communication Breakdown; Training / Qualification; Confusion; Distraction
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Ground Conflict; Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Staffing; Human Factors; Environment - Non Weather Related
I was working everything in the Tower combined. Aircraft Y checked in on a GPS Runway XX approach and I cleared him for the option. A few minutes later Aircraft X called for taxi and I gave him the normal taxi instructions with a crossing at Runway XX; forgetting that I had cleared an aircraft for that runway. While I was making an amendment to a flight plan I hear Aircraft Y ask why there is an aircraft on his runway. He had come to a complete stop on the runway while Aircraft X was crossing. I told him to hold position and once it was clear I cleared him for takeoff from present position. We're reduced staffing due to COVID-19; and having to train forces us to combine positions to accomplish the numbers that management is pushing for.
Tower Controller reported a ground conflict and cited reduced staffing due to COVID-19 and training at combined positions as contributing factors.