North Carolina Tightens Existing Mask Requirements, Enforcement
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper on Nov. 23 issued additional COVID-19 safety measures to tighten mask requirements and enforcement as cases continue to rise rapidly in North Carolina and across the country.
Executive Order No. 180 (Order) goes into effect at 5 p.m. EST on Wednesday, Nov. 25 and runs at least through Friday, Dec. 11 and may be extended.
In short, it requires that anyone age 5 and up at Charlotte Douglas International Airport must wear a face mask, with limited medical exceptions. In addition, the new Order allows law enforcement to enforce face covering mandates against anyone who refuses to wear one. Since June, face coverings have been required at CLT throughout all parts of the passenger journey - from the parking lots and shuttle bus rides to the check in at the terminal and boarding aircraft. All airlines at CLT require passengers to wear face coverings to board a flight.
The Airport continues to educate our customers, tenants and employees regarding Governor Copper’s face covering mandate to help stop the spread of COVID-19, while meeting our mission to assist our customers in their travels. Executive Order 180 allows law enforcement the ability to issue citations, giving CMPD an additional tool to use. These citations could carry a fine up to $1,000. We remain focused on creating an environment of education and safety. Messaging is on CLT’s public address system that airs throughout the terminal reminding passengers that face coverings are required. We also have messaging and signage regarding the face covering mandate on roadways entering the airport, our entrance doors and on the terminal’s visual screens.
According to the Governor’s Office: In addition to extending Phase 3 capacity limits and safety requirements, the Order tightens the existing statewide mask requirement – making it clear that everyone needs to wear a mask whenever they are with someone who is not from the same household. The Order also adds the mask requirement to several additional settings including any public indoor space even when maintaining 6 feet of distance; gyms even when exercising; all schools public and private; and all public or private transportation when travelling with people outside of the household.
Face coverings can be temporarily removed while actively eating and drinking.
CLT will provide customers with a free mask if needed. Masks are available at the security checkpoint podiums and in the Visitor Info Center on the terminal’s lower level in Baggage Claim.