Mci Airport: Masks Mandatory For Travelers And Staff

As of April 2022, masks are no longer mandatory in most public places, and most major airlines have dropped their mask mandates. However, many travellers still opt to wear masks, especially in crowded spaces like busy airports, during boarding, or while waiting at immigration. Some airports, such as the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), have implemented stringent preventive health and safety measures that include the compulsory use of face masks for all passengers and employees within the airport vicinity. It is recommended to check the specific requirements of your airport and airline before travelling.

Masks are no longer mandatory at MCI Airport

As of April 2022, masks are no longer mandatory in most public places, and this includes Kansas City International Airport (MCI). The decision to no longer require masks in the airport comes after major airlines dropped their mask mandates. However, this does not mean that you cannot wear a mask if you want to. Many people still choose to wear masks in airports and on planes, especially in crowded spaces.

Why people still wear masks

While masks are no longer mandatory, many travellers continue to wear them as an extra safety precaution. Masks have been shown to decrease your chances of catching COVID-19 or another bug, especially in crowded spaces like airports and planes. Wearing a mask is especially important if you are not fully vaccinated, are immunocompromised, or are in close contact with someone who is. Additionally, masks can help prevent the spread of other viruses, such as the flu or the common cold, which often spread during the holiday season when airports and planes are more crowded.

Types of masks to wear

If you choose to wear a mask, it is important to select one that offers high filtration levels and a snug fit over the nose and mouth. N95 and KN95 masks are recommended as they offer the most protection and come in universal sizes. Surgical masks are also effective, especially when doubled up with a cloth mask on top, but they may not be as protective against certain viruses like the rhinovirus. If you are fully vaccinated and at low risk, a single mask made of multiple layers or with a filter can be a good option.

Other precautions

In addition to wearing a mask, there are other precautions you can take to stay healthy while travelling. Practicing good hand hygiene is important, so be sure to wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Additionally, try to maintain social distancing when possible and avoid close contact with people who are sick. By taking these precautions, you can help reduce your risk of getting sick while travelling, even in crowded places like MCI Airport.

It is still recommended to wear masks in crowded spaces

While there is no longer a mask mandate at MCI Airport, it is still recommended to wear masks in crowded spaces. This is especially important in airports, where it can be difficult to maintain social distancing. By wearing a mask, you can help protect yourself and others from respiratory viruses, including COVID-19.

When choosing a mask to wear at the airport, it is important to select one that offers a high level of protection. N95 and KN95 masks are recommended by experts as they provide a snug fit and high filtration levels. These masks are widely available and can be purchased in bulk, making them a convenient and affordable option. If you are unable to find an N95 or KN95 mask, a surgical mask can also provide some protection against COVID-19 and other viruses. Double masking with a cloth mask over a surgical mask can increase the effectiveness of this option.

In addition to wearing a mask, there are other precautions you can take to stay healthy while travelling. Hand hygiene is important, so be sure to wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. It is also a good idea to avoid touching your face and to maintain a safe distance from others when possible. By following these simple precautions, you can help reduce your risk of getting sick while travelling.

Wearing a mask in crowded spaces is a personal choice, and it is important to respect the decisions of others. Some people may choose to wear a mask to protect themselves or others from illness, while others may have medical conditions that make them more vulnerable to infection. It is important to be mindful of those around us and to take steps to protect the health and safety of our community.

Overall, while masks may no longer be required at MCI Airport, it is still a good idea to wear one in crowded spaces. By taking this simple precaution, you can help protect yourself and others from illness and create a safer environment for everyone.

N95 and KN95 masks are recommended for the best protection

While the mask mandate for travel is a thing of the past, and there is no longer any requirement to wear a mask at MCI airport, it is still recommended to wear a mask in crowded spaces, especially for those who are more vulnerable to infections. N95 and KN95 masks are considered to be the gold standard of face masks and are highly protective against COVID-19 and other viruses when used properly.

N95 masks are particulate respirators that filter out at least 95% of aerosols, according to the CDC. There is a subtype of N95 masks labelled "surgical N95 respirators" that help protect against extra hazards that doctors and other healthcare workers may come into contact with, such as blood splatter, and these should still be reserved for healthcare workers. N95 masks have to meet stricter requirements, including the ability to filter out bacteria and viruses, and be certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

KN95 masks are the Chinese version of N95 masks and are governed by a different set of standards specific to China. They offer similar protection to N95 masks, filtering out up to 95% of aerosols, and are often more readily available and comfortable. However, there is more uncertainty around the effectiveness of KN95 masks, as it can be difficult to know if you are procuring a legitimate product. Up to 60% of KN95 masks on the market are counterfeit and do not work as well as they claim.

When choosing between N95 and KN95 masks, it is important to consider the level of protection you need, breathability, and comfort. N95 masks provide the highest level of protection and are ideal for high-risk settings or when in close contact with infected individuals. However, they may not be as comfortable for prolonged periods of time. On the other hand, KN95 masks offer almost the same level of protection and are often more comfortable, making them a good choice for everyday use or when wearing a mask for extended periods.

To ensure you are getting a quality KN95 mask, it is recommended to purchase from reputable retailers and check the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines and lists. KN95 masks should have ear loops and at least five layers of material, an adjustable nose bridge, and cost no more than $3 apiece.

Masks with valves or exhalation vents should be avoided

As of 2025, masks are still required at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in the Philippines. The airport enforces the compulsory use of face masks for all passengers and employees within the vicinity of Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and adjacent areas.

Now, regarding masks with valves or exhalation vents, these types of masks should be avoided in certain contexts. Here's why:

Masks with valves or exhalation vents are designed to reduce the exhalation resistance of the mask, making it easier for the wearer to breathe. They also provide other benefits, such as cooler air temperature within the mask and reduced moisture buildup. However, the critical issue with these masks is that they do not filter exhaled air. While they filter the air being breathed in, they do not filter the air being breathed out. This one-way filtration can be problematic in the context of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19.

When it comes to preventing the spread of viruses and maintaining sterile conditions, masks with valves or exhalation vents should not be used. This is because they do not filter the air expelled by the wearer. If a person wearing this type of mask is infected, they can breathe infectious particles out through the valves, potentially spreading the disease to others. For this reason, during the COVID-19 pandemic, masks with valves have been banned in some areas.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends avoiding masks with valves or exhalation vents. Instead, they suggest using cloth masks, surgical masks, or well-fitting respirators like N95 masks that provide two-way filtration. It is important to prioritize masks that filter both inhaled and exhaled air to protect yourself and others effectively.

Cloth masks are the least effective

Cloth masks are not as effective as N95 respirator masks or surgical masks. N95 masks are used by first-line health care workers and are fitted to the individual to make sure there is no leakage. They filter down to 0.3 microns, which is smaller than the COVID-19 particle, which is around 0.1 microns in size. However, the COVID-19 particle is usually bonded to something larger, such as a Flugge droplet, making N95 masks effective in blocking these particles. Surgical masks, on the other hand, are loose-fitting disposables that come in different thicknesses and with different levels of protection. They have a loose fit and they don't filter or block very small particles in the air, according to the FDA.

Cloth masks are also less effective than bandanas or gaiter masks, which allow droplets to travel up to three feet. A folded handkerchief resulted in droplets travelling one foot, three inches. A cone-style mask reduced the distance to about eight inches. The best results for cloth face masks were achieved with two layers of fabric, with droplets travelling only 2.5 inches.

The CDC recommends that everyone aged two and above wear a cloth face covering in public settings and when around people that don’t live in their household, especially when other social distancing methods are difficult to maintain.

There has been research into the best types of fabric for cloth masks. The most effective fabric type at blocking particles was 100% cotton with a visible raised nap, like flannel or fleece. Synthetic fabrics performed the worst. Tightly woven fabrics typically performed better than loosely woven fabrics or knits. And multiple layers of fabric, especially multiple layers of 100% cotton, performed the best.

However, none of these cloth masks were as effective as N95 masks.

Frequently asked questions