Airports across the United States are beginning to require all passengers and visitors to wear face coverings to combat the spread of COVID-19.
The new policy went into effect at Denver International Airport on Wednesday, and Los Angeles International Airport will require masks for anyone entering an LAX facility starting Monday, May 11.
Most airlines already require passengers to wear face coverings at ticket counters, upon boarding and during their flight, with other carriers slated to enforce the precautionary measure in the days to come.
"Guests should bring a face covering with them so they can be worn throughout the airport journey," Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) said in a press release on Wednesday. "Similar to airline policies, guests at LAX are allowed to remove their masks for a short time in order to consume food or beverages, but must put their masks back on when they are finished eating."
Anyone not wearing a mask will be asked to put one on. LAX is also encouraging travelers to wash or sanitize their hands frequently, stay at least six feet away from other people and avoid entering the airport if they are sick or symptomatic.
Acceptable face coverings include bandanas, scarves, t-shirts and other fabric that's held in place over a person's nose and mouth.
For now, many airports, including Baltimore-Washington International Airport, are recommending that travelers wear face coverings while in the terminal. However, that could change as face-covering policies become more commonplace.
"The use of face masks or coverings throughout the terminal is recommended for BWI Marshall Airport passengers and required for passengers patronizing airport restaurants and shops, as well as restaurant and shop workers," according to BWI officials.
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