Travel Advisory: Masks At Cleveland Airport, What You Need To Know

As of April 19, 2022, masks are no longer required at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, after a federal judge struck down a mandate requiring masks at airports, on airlines, and on other forms of public transportation. The CDC had extended the mandate until May 3, 2022, to allow more time to study the emerging BA.2 omicron subvariant of COVID-19. However, a Florida federal judge overturned the mandate, stating that the CDC exceeded its legal authority and failed to follow proper rule-making procedures. While masks are no longer required at the airport, travelers are advised to check with their airline, as some airlines may still have mask requirements in place.

Masks are not required at Cleveland Airport, but travellers should check with their airline

As of April 19, 2022, masks are no longer required at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE). This change came after a federal judge in Florida overturned the national mask mandate on public transportation, which included airplanes, trains, and buses. The CDC had extended this mandate until May 3, but the ruling from Florida caused it to be voided.

Despite this, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has stated that travellers should be prepared to wear a mask on their flight if required by the airline. They advise travellers to "check with [their] airline prior to departure." This is because, while the TSA's Federal Mask Mandate has been lifted, individual airlines may still choose to enforce their own mask rules.

Some passengers have expressed their relief at no longer being required to wear a mask, with one stating that "life is back to normal." However, others have expressed concern, with one passenger, a nurse, choosing to continue wearing a mask because "you're so close together." Medical professionals in Cleveland have also expressed opposition to the mandate ending, particularly as many families are travelling for spring break. Dr. Amy Edwards from University Hospitals has urged high-risk individuals to continue wearing masks and to use high-quality masks such as N95 or KN95s.

In addition to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Akron-Canton Airport and Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad have also lifted their mask mandates.

The CDC recommends masks in indoor public transportation settings

As of April 19, 2022, masks are no longer required at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Akron-Canton Airport, and Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. This change came after a federal judge in Florida overturned the national mandate for masks on public transportation, which included airplanes, trains, and buses.

Despite this, the CDC still recommends that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings. This includes airports, where travellers should be prepared to wear a mask on their flight if it is required by the airline.

The CDC's recommendation to wear masks in indoor public transportation settings is an important one to follow, even if it is not mandated. This is especially true for those who are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19, such as those who are immunocompromised or otherwise vulnerable.

In addition to the CDC's recommendation, some local transit authorities, such as the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, Akron Metro Regional Transit Authority, and Laketran, still recommend that customers wear masks. These authorities are updating their announcements, signage, and other communications to reflect this.

It is worth noting that while masks may not be required in all situations, it is always a good idea to have one on hand when travelling, as some airlines and local transit agencies may still enforce their own mask requirements. Therefore, it is essential to check with your specific airline or transit provider before your journey to ensure you are aware of their mask policy.

By following the CDC's recommendation and considering the policies of specific transit providers, travellers can help protect themselves and others, especially those at higher risk, from the spread of COVID-19 and its variants.

The TSA is no longer enforcing the federal face mask mandate

As of April 19, 2022, masks are no longer required at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Akron-Canton Airport, and Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. This change came after a federal judge in Florida overturned the national mask mandate on public transportation. While masks are no longer mandated, the CDC still recommends that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings.

The TSA's decision to no longer enforce the federal face mask mandate is in line with the CDC's updated guidance. The CDC has stated that fully vaccinated travelers with an FDA-authorized vaccine can safely travel within the U.S. However, the CDC still recommends that individuals wear masks, especially in indoor public transportation settings. The CDC will continue to work with government agencies to help inform a revised policy framework for when and under what circumstances masks should be required. This revised framework will take into account COVID-19 community levels, the risk of new variants, national data, and the latest science.

The TSA's initial face mask requirement went into effect on February 1, 2021, with an expiration date of May 11, 2021. The TSA had extended the face mask requirement several times, with the last extension announced on March 10, 2022, which was set to expire on April 18, 2022. However, following the federal judge's ruling, the TSA is no longer enforcing the federal face mask mandate. This change means that individuals are no longer required to wear masks at TSA checkpoints, although TSA officers will continue to wear masks and gloves.

The CDC extended the mask mandate until May 3, 2022, to study the BA.2 omicron subvariant

As of April 13, 2022, the CDC extended the federal mask mandate for planes, trains, airports, and some bus services by two weeks, until May 3, 2022. The decision was made to study the BA.2 omicron subvariant, which caused more than 85% of new coronavirus cases in the United States at the time. The CDC aimed to assess the impact of the rising cases on severe disease, hospitalizations, deaths, and healthcare system capacity during the 15-day extension.

The extension was implemented in response to the increasing spread of the omicron subvariant and a rise in the seven-day moving average of cases by around 25% over two weeks. The CDC's extension was welcomed by passengers who felt safer in crowded airports and planes.

Despite the CDC's mandate, some transportation systems in Northeast Ohio, including the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Akron-Canton Airport, and Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, lifted mask requirements following a federal judge's decision to overturn the national mask mandate on public transportation. While masks were no longer mandated at these locations, passengers were advised to check with their airlines, as some might still require masks onboard.

The CDC's extension faced opposition from airline executives, the hospitality industry, and infectious disease experts, who believed it was time to lift the mandate due to the overall decrease in COVID-19 cases.

Some passengers still choose to wear masks at the airport

As of April 19, 2022, masks are no longer required at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. However, some passengers still choose to wear them. While about half of the passengers waiting in line for security screening at the airport had removed their masks, the other half had chosen to keep theirs on.

One passenger, Michelle Reynolds, stated that she believed it was good that people now had the option to choose whether or not to wear a mask. She also said that she would probably wear a mask on the plane, as the space is small. Another passenger, Jill from Mayfield Heights, said that she would continue to wear a mask to protect others, even if it is a small gesture. Similarly, Tiffany Butler, a city employee who cleans the airport, expressed that she would continue to wear a mask due to her father's death from COVID-19 the previous year.

Some passengers, like Michael Millard, who flew to Cleveland from Orlando without a mask, stated that he was unlikely to wear one during future travels. Additionally, Rachel Millard, a nurse at University Hospitals, chose not to wear a mask, despite her profession.

While the mandate has been lifted, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport still recommends that passengers check with their specific airline before departure, as some airlines may continue to enforce their own mask requirements.

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