Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will soon require everyone to wear masks while on airport property.
The new rule takes effect on May 18.
At the airport, passengers told KIRO 7 News they were surprised it had taken so long for masks to be required.
“It’s most important,” said passenger Morry Bamba. “If you don’t care about yourself, then care about other people.”
“We’re going to have to wear a mask... it’s not really our choice anymore,” added passenger Natalie Wright.”
The new rule comes as passenger numbers slowly inch back up.
Transportation Security Administration numbers show 215,000 passengers passed through U.S. airports on Friday, May 8.
According to the TSA that was the most passengers on a single day since March 25, at the height of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Knowing that I was coming over here, I started masking up a lot sooner so I could protect my family,” said passenger Cindy Palilonis, who flew to Seattle from Florida.
Palilonis added that the “mask rule” could now help her in everyday life.
“I’m a hairdresser, so I have to start getting used to wearing this on a regular basis as soon as we open up,” she told KIRO 7.
Seattle-Tacoma Airport administrators said young children are exempt from the mask rule, as are those who can’t wear masks for medical reasons.
Otherwise, everyone else will have to put them on.
“If that’s what it’s going to have to be... I want this over!" exclaimed Wright.
Seattle-Tacoma Airport now joins Denver Airport and LAX in requiring people to wear masks while on airport property.