Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport Soon To Require Face Masks

The Metropolitan Airports Commission approved a resolution today that would require face masks be worn at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.  For many of us wearing a mask has become commonplace where ever we go. It does does not seem like a surprise to me that at a place like an airport where you are surrounded by thousands of people, would require that a mask be worn. The rule goes into effect on July 27.

MAC CEO Brian Ryks said to KSTP.com "Based on the recommendation of health care experts, for nearly two months, we have strongly encouraged everyone to wear face coverings in all public areas of MSP. As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in many places around the nation, it is clear that face coverings along with social distancing and frequent hand washing or sanitizing are key to keep ourselves and those around us safer."

I did some research to see what airlines require a mask and according to Forbes magazine as of May 2020 You will need to wear a mask during check-in, boarding, in-flight and deplaning. You can take your mask off to eat and drink. The following airlines have this policy:

• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Frontier Airlines
• JetBlue
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines

It seems like common sense to want to wear a mask on an airplane even with social distancing, considering you are subjected to breath in recycled air in a confined space for hours at a time. The airlines have seen a massive decline in travel since the COVID-19 Pandemic, so it will be interesting to see as time goes on if the amount of people choosing to fly starts an uptick at some point.

Information booths will be set up throughout the airport with free face coverings available for travelers and things like hand sanitizer, gloves and disinfectant wipes will be available at stores inside the airport.