Myrtle Beach Airport: Masks Required Or Not?

As of August 2021, Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) was subject to the Transportation Security Authority's federal order requiring masks. This mandate was extended to January 18, 2022, and passengers who refused to comply were not permitted to enter the airport's secure areas. While the city of Myrtle Beach had lifted its mask mandate for businesses, allowing organizations to make their own decisions, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce continued to require masks for its staff and visitors to its building. This decision was made in the interest of safety for employees and customers, with COVID-19 cases rising in Horry County.

The Transportation Security Authority's federal order

On January 21, 2021, in recognition of the continuing threat to health, safety, and economic and national security posed by COVID-19, President Biden issued Executive Order 13998, titled "Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel." The Executive Order directed the Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with other federal officials, and "through the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration," to "take immediate action, to the extent appropriate and consistent with applicable law, to require masks to be worn in compliance with CDC guidelines" in airports, commercial aircraft, trains, public maritime vessels, intercity bus services, and all forms of public transportation.

On January 29, 2021, the Director of the CDC's Division of Global Migration and Quarantine issued a Notice and Order titled "Requirement for Persons to Wear Masks While on Conveyances and at Transportation Hubs." The CDC Order, which became effective on February 1, 2021, provided that it "shall be enforced by the Transportation Security Administration under appropriate statutory and regulatory authorities."

On January 31, 2021, the Senior Official Performing the Duties of the TSA Administrator issued Security Directive 1582/84-21-01 to surface transportation owners and operators, requiring mask-wearing on public transportation, passenger rail, bus conveyances, and at transportation hubs to protect the safety and security of the traveling public and the transportation system. The SD includes exemptions for circumstances when masks need not be worn, such as eating, drinking, or when needed for ID verification. It also exempts children under two years old, persons with disabilities who cannot wear a mask, or persons for whom wearing a mask would create a workplace health, safety, or job duty risk.

The SD requires Owner/Operators to establish procedures to manage situations with persons who refuse to comply with the mask requirement. These procedures must, at a minimum, ensure that if an individual refuses to comply, the owner/operator must deny boarding, make their best efforts to disembark the individual as soon as practicable, or remove the individual from the transportation hub/facility. The SD also specifies that providing prominent and adequate notice to facilitate awareness and compliance with the mask requirement is essential. Best practices may include advance notifications on digital platforms, posted signage in multiple languages, printing the requirement on transit tickets, or other methods as appropriate.

Mask mandate extended until January 18, 2022

As of August 2021, masks are required at Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) in South Carolina. The airport is subject to the Transportation Security Authority's (TSA) federal mandate, which was recently extended until January 18, 2022. The TSA order requires all passengers, staff, and visitors to wear masks, covering their mouths and noses. This mandate is in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and aims to ensure the safety of everyone at the airport.

While the city of Myrtle Beach had previously lifted its mask mandate for local businesses, allowing them to make their own decisions, the airport is subject to different regulations as it falls under federal jurisdiction. The Horry County government has reminded passengers of the ongoing mask requirement at MYR, stating that those who refuse to comply will not be permitted to enter the secure areas of the airport, including the terminal and gate areas.

The county's statement emphasized that the TSA has the authority to issue citations and enforce fines for non-compliance, starting at $250 and increasing to $1,500 for repeat offenders. This mandate is in line with similar measures implemented at other airports across the country, such as Long Beach Airport in California, where facial coverings are required for both customers and employees.

The extension of the mask mandate at Myrtle Beach International Airport until January 18, 2022, reflects the ongoing efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the health and safety of travelers and staff. While some businesses and individuals in Myrtle Beach have expressed fatigue with mask requirements, the rising COVID-19 cases in Horry County and the CDC's recommendations emphasize the continued importance of masks in public spaces.

As the situation with COVID-19 evolves, it is essential to stay updated with the latest guidelines and mandates from official sources, such as the TSA and local health authorities. While the mandate is currently set to end on January 18, 2022, it is subject to change based on the public health situation and the recommendations of medical experts.

Fines for non-compliance

As of August 2021, masks were required at Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) in South Carolina. The airport is subject to the Transportation Security Authority's (TSA) federal mandate requiring masks. The TSA mandate was extended through January 18, 2022, and fines for non-compliance start at $250, increasing to $1,500 for repeat offenders. Passengers who refuse to wear masks will not be permitted to enter the secure areas of the airport, including the terminal and gate areas.

While the city of Myrtle Beach had previously lifted its mask mandate for businesses, allowing organizations to make their own decisions, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce had continued to require masks for staff and visitors to its building, regardless of vaccination status. Similarly, some businesses and restaurants in the area had also continued to require masks or proof of vaccination for dining in, citing the health and safety of employees and customers as a top priority.

The discussion around mask mandates in Myrtle Beach has been a contentious issue, with Governor Henry McMaster initially barring local governments from requiring masks through a state of emergency order. However, his office later changed its stance, allowing local governments to make decisions within their authority. Despite resistance from some, the conversation around mask mandates in Myrtle Beach and beyond highlights the ongoing efforts to balance public health and safety with individual preferences and freedoms.

It is important to note that the information provided is based on news articles from August 2021. For the most up-to-date information on mask requirements and fines at Myrtle Beach International Airport, it is recommended to refer to official sources, such as the airport's website or the Transportation Security Administration's guidelines.

Mask requirements on airlines

As of August 2021, masks are required at Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) due to the Transportation Security Authority's federal mandate. This mandate was extended through January 18, 2022, and passengers who refuse to comply are not permitted in secure areas of the airport. While the city of Myrtle Beach has lifted its mask mandate for businesses, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce still requires masks for its staff and visitors to its building.

Regarding airlines, most major airlines in the US have implemented mask requirements for both customers and employees. These policies are in line with recommendations from the CDC and other health authorities. Some airlines have gone beyond these recommendations, with certain airlines requiring masks for the duration of the flight, including during boarding and deplaning. This is to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers and crew.

For example, Delta Air Lines has been a strong advocate for mask-wearing, with their CEO stating that masks have been "one of our most effective tools in ensuring layers of protection throughout the travel experience." Delta requires all customers and employees to wear a mask or face-covering in Delta's airports and onboard their aircraft. They also recommend that masks be well-fitting and cover the nose and mouth without gaps.

Similarly, American Airlines requires face coverings for all passengers from the time they enter the departure airport until they exit the arrival airport. This mandate extends to all American Airlines team members and crew members. Southwest Airlines also has a similar policy, requiring face masks for customers and employees at airports and onboard their aircraft. They also encourage the use of face masks with a minimum of two layers.

These policies are subject to change and may vary between airlines. It is always a good idea to check the specific requirements of the airline you are travelling with before your journey. Additionally, while some states and cities have lifted their mask mandates, it is important to note that individual businesses may still require masks to be worn on their premises.

Mask requirements in Myrtle Beach city

As of August 2021, the Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is subject to the Transportation Security Authority's (TSA) federal mandate requiring masks. This mandate was extended until January 18, 2022, and passengers who refuse to comply are not permitted to enter the secure areas of the airport. While the city of Myrtle Beach previously had a mask mandate, it has since been lifted, leaving businesses to decide whether to require masks based on their circumstances.

The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, for example, requires masks for all staff and visitors to its building, regardless of vaccination status. Some restaurants in the area have also started requiring masks again or asking for proof of vaccination for dining in. These decisions are often made with the safety and health of employees and customers in mind, as businesses cannot operate without them.

In June 2021, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster issued an executive order barring local governments from mandating masks through a state of emergency. However, his office later clarified that local governments could impose mask requirements within the bounds of their authority as local officials. McMaster maintains that mask-wearing should be an individual choice rather than a government mandate.

As of May 2020, many U.S. airlines and airports were requiring masks onboard flights and within terminals, respectively. This includes Long Beach Airport in California, where all five airlines serving the airport, as well as concessions and rental car companies, require facial coverings for customers and employees.

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