The Window Seat

Jul. 17, 2020 - We know it’s inconvenient. It’s uncomfortable. And, this time of year it’s darn hot. But we need our passengers, visitors, contractors and employees to help us provide a safe and healthy Airport environment.

Medical studies and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are clear on one point – the chances of spreading the coronavirus through coughing, sneezing, talking or raising your voice are greatly reduced when we wear our masks and keep at least six feet apart when around people not part of our household or quarantine group. According to the CDC, this recommendation is based on what is known about the role respiratory droplets play in the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, paired with emerging evidence from clinical and laboratory studies that shows cloth face coverings reduce the spray of droplets.

So, your mask protects me, and my mask protects you. Wearing a face covering also helps protect others in case one of us is infected, but don’t show symptoms.

Right Thing the Right Way

There is a right and wrong way to wear a mask.

Right: Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin. Make sure the mask fits snugly on the sides of your face.

Wrong: Worn under your nose, covering only your mouth or worn under your chin, around your neck or on your forehead. 

The CDC has a lot of helpful information on how to wear a mask, how to make one yourself and how to wash and care for a cloth mask.

It’s a State Requirement 

The governor of North Carolina has directed that face coverings be worn in public statewide until further notice. There are some exceptions. Among them are children under age 2 and anyone who has trouble breathing.

Can you be arrested? For simply not wearing a mask, the answer is no. But if you aren’t wearing one when you come to the Airport, reconsider – if not for you, then for others around you.

If you are asked by someone in the Airport to wear one, please do the right thing and put your mask on. You are going to have to wear it on the plane. All our airlines require it and could refuse boarding to anyone who does not wear a mask.

We’ve Got You Covered

Don’t have a mask or forgot it? Your airline can provide one. In addition, we have them available at the Visitor Info Center on the lower level in Baggage Claim. This is where most passengers enter the terminal from the shuttles and parking lots. In addition, the TSA has masks available at the check-in podiums, and you can purchase masks and other supplies like hand sanitizer and gloves at many of the retails stores after security.

We’re glad to see passengers coming back. We are working hard to make the Airport safe so you can travel in confidence. We need your help – please wear a mask. It’s the right thing to do.