ORLANDO, Fla — Today at OIA, fresh signs were up to alert travelers to the federal mask mandate that was recently implemented in all airports across the US.
President Biden recently issued an executive order requiring masks to be worn on all public transportation. We saw many travelers heeding the warnings, knowing that failing to comply could result in penalties.
Airport Security Director Brian Gilliam said, “It absolutely gives the federal agencies more power. Yes, it does. And I think what you’re going to see is TSA, and the FAA, are going to really take a no tolerance view on this.”
But if you are caught with your mask down, Gilliam says the airport will first encourage travelers to comply. But if they don’t, the Orlando Police Department could step in and remove a passenger from the airport.
READ: Orlando International Airport complies with federal mask mandate
TSA can also turn you away for failing to wear the required headgear, but that is fine with traveler Gregg Baker.
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Baker thinks the mandate comes at the right time: “If you really want to go back to the way things used to be, this isn’t a lot to ask, in my opinion. Otherwise, we’re chasing our tails.”
There are some exemptions, including children under 2-years-of-age, people with disabilities who cannot wear a mask and those who cannot wear a mask safely to perform work.