Orlando International Airport complies with federal mask mandate

ORLANDO, Fla. — Passengers traveling through Orlando International Airport need to continue wearing a mask.

Even before the federal directive from the Biden administration was in place, OIA enforced city and county orders directing all airport staff and passengers to wear a mask at all times in public areas.

The new federal mandate supersedes these orders.

“The mask mandate is new to many airports but not Orlando International. We will continue to strongly encourage the public and staff to always wear a mask while at the airport,” said Brian Gilliam, director of security for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “If they do not comply, law enforcement may be called in, and the individual may face federal penalties and be asked to leave the building.”

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To reinforce the federal mandate signs have been updated around the property as well as roads leading into the airport. New audio messages will be played throughout the terminal reminding passengers that wearing a mask is mandatory and a federal order.

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There are three exemptions to the mandate

· Children under the age of 2.

· People who cannot safely wear a mask because of a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

· People for whom wearing a mask would create a risk to workplace health, safety or job duty as determined by relevant workplace safety guidelines or federal requirements.

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According to federal definition, a mask is considered a material covering both the nose and mouth. Face shields are not acceptable.

Vending machines carrying masks, hand sanitizer and gloves have been placed throughout the airport.

Cox Media Group