Phoenix airport to implement mandatory face mask policy soon

PHOENIX (AP) — Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is implementing a mandatory face mask policy starting June 1 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Airport officials announced Wednesday that employees and all visitors to Sky Harbor facilities will be required to have their noses and mouths covered while in the terminals, at the rental car center, the PHX Sky Train and airport buses.

Sky Harbor officials said travelers are being asked to bring their own masks although some stores at the city-run airport currently are selling them.

They said face masks can be a homemade cloth mask or even a bandanna with the only requirement is that it covers the face and nose.

Sky Harbors officials said the airport's “vigilant sanitation efforts” and “thorough 24-hour cleaning schedule” will remain in place.

Other measures taken to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at Sky Harbor include social distance markers, hand sanitizer dispensers, plexiglass barriers at information counters along with signs and periodic announcements encouraging social distancing.