Masks At Bwi Airport: What's The Mandate?

As of July 31, 2020, face masks or coverings are required at Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) Airport for anyone aged five or older in locations where the public is generally permitted. This mandate was implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and enhance health and safety measures at the airport.

Face masks required for ages 5 and above

Face masks are required at Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) Airport for anyone aged five and above. This rule applies to all areas of the airport that are accessible to the public, including terminals.

The mandate was implemented to protect the health and safety of customers and employees, according to Ricky Smith, Executive Director of BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport. Smith also stated that the order would "add further protection and assurance for everyone that uses the airport."

Passengers are encouraged to bring their own masks, but those who arrive without one can receive a free mask at the airport's information desks. In addition, several concessions within the airport sell masks, and vending machines are available for the purchase of masks and other personal protective equipment.

BWI Airport also implemented other health and safety initiatives during the COVID-19 State of Emergency in Maryland, including enhanced cleaning and sanitation procedures, particularly for high-touch surfaces. Hand sanitizer dispensers were placed throughout the terminal, and protective barriers were installed at security checkpoints, airline ticket counters, and information desks. Physical distance markers were also put in place in high-traffic areas.

Masks must be worn in terminals

Masks are required at Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) Airport for anyone aged five and older. This rule applies to all terminals and public areas of the airport.

Passengers and employees must wear masks or face coverings at all times, including in restaurants, shops, and on planes. Those who do not comply with this rule may be denied entry, boarding, or continued transport.

Passengers arriving at BWI without a mask can receive a free mask at the airport's information desks. In addition, several airport concessions sell face masks, and vending machines are available throughout the airport.

The mandate for masks at BWI was implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic to help prevent the spread of the virus. It is part of the airport's broader health and safety initiatives, which include enhanced cleaning and sanitation procedures, particularly for high-touch surfaces.

Other measures introduced during the pandemic include the installation of hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the terminal, protective barriers at security checkpoints, airline ticket counters, and information desks, and physical distance markers in high-traffic areas. Health and safety information is also provided to customers via information displays and overhead announcement boards.

Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport two hours before their flight to allow for these additional safety measures. They are also encouraged to practice physical distancing, wash their hands or use hand sanitizer frequently, and use a mobile boarding pass whenever possible.

Free masks available at airport

Masks are required at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) for both employees and passengers. This requirement has been in place since July 31, 2020, for anyone aged 5 and older in all public areas of the airport, including terminals.

Passengers arriving at BWI without a face covering can obtain a free mask at the airport information desks. Some airlines may also provide face coverings for their customers. In addition to this, several airport concessions sell face masks, and there are vending machines in the airport terminal and rental car facility where masks and other personal protective equipment can be purchased.

During the COVID-19 State of Emergency in Maryland, BWI implemented enhanced cleaning and sanitation procedures with a focus on high-touch surfaces. Hand sanitizer dispensers have been placed throughout the terminal, and protective barriers have been installed at security checkpoints, airline ticket counters, and information desks. Physical distancing markers have also been installed in high-traffic areas.

Passengers are encouraged to arrive at the airport two hours before their scheduled departure time. They should also practice physical distancing, wash their hands or use hand sanitizer frequently, and use a mobile boarding pass whenever possible.

Enhanced cleaning and sanitation procedures

BWI Marshall Airport has implemented several health and safety initiatives during Maryland's COVID-19 State of Emergency. This includes enhanced cleaning and sanitation procedures, with a particular focus on high-touch surfaces. Hand sanitiser dispensers have been placed throughout the terminal, and protective barriers have been installed at security checkpoints, airline ticket counters, and information desks. Physical distance markers have also been installed in high-traffic areas.

Health and safety information is provided to customers on information displays and overhead announcement boards. At certain times during the emergency, airport concessions were limited, and public seating was reconfigured.

The airport has also implemented new security measures, with TSA officers guiding passengers through the screening process and recommending how best to arrange their carry-on items for X-ray screening.

Passengers are encouraged to bring their own masks, but if they arrive without one, they can receive a free mask at the airport information desks. Several airport concessions also sell face masks, and vending machines are located throughout the airport.

The airport recommends that travellers give themselves plenty of time when coming to the airport, stating that passengers should arrive two hours early for their flight. Passengers should also practice physical distancing, wash their hands or use hand sanitiser frequently, and use a mobile boarding pass when possible.

Physical distancing and handwashing encouraged

As part of its COVID-19 response, BWI Marshall Airport has implemented several measures to encourage physical distancing and handwashing.

Passengers are encouraged to arrive at the airport two hours before their flight to give themselves plenty of time and reduce potential crowding. Once inside the airport, travellers are expected to maintain physical distancing. To help with this, BWI Marshall Airport has launched a pilot program using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology and software from CrowdVision to monitor, analyse and report on physical distancing at the airport's B security checkpoint. The system notifies customers when social distancing is adequate and encourages greater physical separation when necessary. When passengers are maintaining good physical distancing, the system generates a positive message on the monitor. If passengers are too close together for a prolonged period, a reminder of social distancing guidelines is presented.

In addition to the LiDAR technology, BWI Marshall Airport has installed physical distance markers in high-traffic areas, including at security checkpoints, airline ticket counters, and information desks. These markers help guide passengers and encourage them to maintain a safe distance from others.

To promote handwashing and good hygiene, BWI Marshall Airport has placed hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the terminal. These dispensers provide a convenient way for passengers and staff to sanitise their hands frequently, as recommended by health authorities. The airport has also implemented enhanced cleaning and sanitation procedures, with a particular focus on high-touch surfaces, to ensure a safe and hygienic environment for all.

By encouraging physical distancing and handwashing, BWI Marshall Airport is committed to providing a safe and healthy travel experience for its customers and employees. These measures are part of the airport's comprehensive COVID-19 response, which also includes the mandatory use of face masks and other health and safety initiatives.

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