Milwaukee Airport: Masks Still Mandatory?

As of April 2022, masks are no longer required at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. This follows a ruling by a federal judge in Florida, who stated that the CDC's mandate requiring masks while travelling on planes, trains, and automobiles was an overreach of government power. The TSA has also announced that it will no longer enforce its Security Directives and Emergency Amendment requiring mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs. However, the CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings. Previously, Milwaukee County officials had issued a universal face mask policy, which required anyone entering a Milwaukee County facility or grounds with a controlled entry point to wear a face mask.

Masks are not required at Milwaukee Airport as of April 2022

As of April 2022, masks are not required at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. This follows a ruling by a federal judge in Florida, who overturned the national mandate for masks in transportation settings, including airports, trains, buses, and ride-sharing services.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) released a statement saying:

> "Due to today’s court ruling, effective immediately, TSA will no longer enforce its Security Directives and Emergency Amendment requiring mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs. TSA will also rescind the new Security Directives that were scheduled to take effect tomorrow. CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings at this time."

While masks are no longer mandatory, many passengers continue to wear them, and the CDC still recommends their use in indoor public transportation settings. Milwaukee County officials also recommend wearing masks in indoor settings, including the airport, to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Prior to the ruling, masks were required in Milwaukee County buildings, including the airport, due to high transmission rates and low vaccination rates. However, as of April 2022, passengers now have the option to go without masks while travelling through Milwaukee Airport. This change has been welcomed by some, who appreciate the choice and the ability to see people's faces and smiles. However, others, especially those with medical conditions or who are older, may choose to continue wearing masks for their personal safety.

A federal judge in Florida struck down the federal mandate

On Monday, April 18, 2022, a federal judge in Florida, U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle, struck down the federal mask mandate for airplanes and other modes of public transportation. This mandate was issued by the CDC and required masks on airlines and in airports, mass transit, and taxis. Judge Mizelle, a Trump appointee, wrote in a 59-page ruling that the CDC had exceeded its authority and failed to follow proper rulemaking procedures. She said that because it was impossible to lift the mask directive for some but not all, her only option was to void the mask rule entirely.

This decision led to U.S. airlines and other transportation hubs, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), promptly dropping their mask mandates. The TSA released a statement saying that it would no longer enforce its Security Directives and Emergency Amendment requiring mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs. The CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings.

The ruling by Judge Mizelle has elicited mixed responses from travelers and concern from experts. While some travelers are relieved to no longer be required to wear masks, others may still choose to do so for their own protection. Experts worry about the impact of this ruling on public health and the CDC's ability to protect the public during health emergencies. Professor of global health law, Lawrence Gostin, expressed concern about the confusion and chaos that this ruling could cause for airlines and their staff.

The White House called Judge Mizelle's decision "disappointing" and initially announced it would appeal the ruling, provided the CDC decides that the mask mandate is needed to protect public health. However, as of December 2024, masks are no longer required for passengers at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. This change comes after a federal judge in Florida struck down the federal mask mandate on planes and public transit.

Masks are still recommended by the CDC

As of April 2022, masks are no longer required for passengers at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. This follows a ruling by a federal judge in Florida, who struck down the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mandate requiring masks while travelling on planes, trains, and automobiles. The CDC, however, continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings.

Milwaukee County officials have issued a universal face mask policy based on guidance from the CDC, which recommends that face masks be worn to slow the spread of the coronavirus. While masks are not required at the airport, they are highly recommended. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley has emphasised the need to protect the health and well-being of Milwaukee County residents and employees, stating that transmission rates are still high and vaccinations are not where they want them to be.

The CDC's recommendation to wear masks in indoor public transportation settings is based on the fact that airplanes and buses were among the last public spaces that required masks as a pandemic precaution. Masks were one of the few public health interventions available to slow the spread of the disease before the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines. While the federal mandate for masks on public transportation has been overturned, the CDC's recommendation highlights the ongoing risk of virus transmission in these settings.

The CDC's ongoing recommendation for mask-wearing in indoor public transportation settings is a precautionary measure. While it is no longer a requirement at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, many individuals may continue to wear masks to protect themselves and others. This is especially true for those who are older or have underlying health conditions that increase their vulnerability to infection. The CDC's recommendation allows individuals to make informed decisions about their personal risk and take appropriate precautions.

In summary, while masks are no longer required at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport due to a federal court ruling, the CDC still recommends mask-wearing in indoor public transportation settings. Milwaukee County officials echo this sentiment, encouraging mask-wearing at the airport to protect the health and safety of residents and employees. This recommendation is based on ongoing concerns about virus transmission and vaccination rates. Ultimately, individuals can choose to wear masks as a precautionary measure to protect themselves and others, especially those who are at higher risk.

Milwaukee County officials issued a universal face mask policy in 2020

On June 9, 2020, Milwaukee County officials issued a universal face mask policy in response to the rise in COVID-19 cases. This policy required all employees and members of the public entering county facilities or grounds with a controlled entry point to wear face masks. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley announced that the policy would be enforced at county facilities and grounds, including Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. However, at the airport, face masks were only highly recommended and not mandatory. The same applied to public transportation and outdoor spaces, such as beer gardens and park spaces.

The universal face mask policy was implemented to follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which recommended face masks to slow the spread of the coronavirus. County Executive Crowley emphasised that Milwaukee County was still in the midst of a pandemic, and wearing face masks was a necessary precaution. He also assured the public that the county would provide disposable face masks to those who needed them. Acceptable face coverings included cloth face masks, scarves, bandanas, and disposable non-medical-grade paper masks.

The policy was part of Milwaukee County's efforts to protect the health and safety of both employees and the public during the pandemic. County officials encouraged physical distancing and handwashing practices to further mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Dr Ben Weston, director of medical services in the Office of Emergency Management, emphasised the importance of wearing face masks, stating that individuals can transmit COVID-19 even without showing any infectious symptoms.

As of 2024, a federal judge in Florida struck down the federal mask mandate on planes and public transit. This ruling meant that passengers at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport were no longer required to wear masks while travelling. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continued to recommend mask-wearing in indoor public transportation settings.

Masks are still required in Milwaukee County buildings

As of 2025, masks are no longer required for passengers at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. This follows a federal judge's ruling in Florida that overturned the national mask mandate for transportation, including airports, trains, and buses.

However, masks are still required in Milwaukee County buildings, including Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, the Milwaukee County Zoo, county buses, the House of Correction, the county courthouse, and county park buildings. This rule applies to all county-owned properties.

Milwaukee County officials issued a universal face mask policy based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which recommends wearing face masks to slow the spread of the coronavirus. As of May 18, 2021, only 36.5% of Milwaukee County residents had been fully vaccinated, and transmission rates were still high.

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley emphasized the county's commitment to protecting the health and well-being of its residents through data-driven decisions. He also acknowledged the need to protect the dedicated county workforce, which plays a critical role in delivering essential services to the community.

While masks are required indoors in Milwaukee County facilities, they are not mandatory outdoors on county properties for members of the public. However, county employees must wear masks outdoors if they cannot maintain a distance of 6 feet from others.

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