As part of existing efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus among employees, passengers and the community all passengers, airport personnel, and all personnel of a tenant or a subcontractor at the Philadelphia International Airport require to wear face coverings.
The airport said effective immediately, all those in the airport must wear something that covers their noses and mouths.
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As of May 11, all airlines at the airport require employees to wear face coverings, and most ask that passengers wear masks as well.
Exceptions of this measure are allowed for passengers or employees who are eating or drinking, or if an employee is alone in their office.
The City of Philadelphia’s Division of Aviation, which owns and operates PHL and Northeast Philadelphia Airport, requires masks of all essential personnel who have continued to work through the COVID-19 crisis.
Additionally, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that all airport screening agents must wear masks.
Passengers and employees at PHL must now wear face coverings when at #PHLAirport.
Learn more: https://t.co/Lggqbv7zWr pic.twitter.com/gFHFtSWrP3
— PHLAirport (@PHLAirport) May 8, 2020
“Beginning May 11, all passengers, airport personnel and all personnel of a tenant or a subcontractor are required to wear a face covering which covers the individual’s nose and mouth while on Airport premises, except to the extent the passenger or employee is eating or drinking, or is alone in the employee’s office,” the airport said Friday.
Joseph Shuker, president of AFGE Local 333, said members were upset passengers did not have to wear masks. Now, he says for his employees’ sake, he wishes airlines would only let essential employees travel since he fears an increase in travelers as airlines try to make up for lost revenue.