Mask mandate in terminal

It is now compulsory to wear a mask at Geraldton Airport, and passengers yesterday appeared mostly to be sticking to the new rule. If they ignore it, people risk a $50,000 fine and grinding flights to a halt, but it’s understood authorities will afford airport visitors a grace period while they get used to the new regime. Fly-in, fly-out workers awaiting a charter flight to a mine site yesterday, one of two flights leaving the airport on the day, were spotted wearing masks in the terminal on the first day the rule came into effect. One worker told The Geraldton Guardian the rule had been enforced by airport staff, with everyone being directed to wear masks when entering the terminal. Another person outside the airport who had been accompanying a passenger also said this was the case. However, several people accompanying others to catch flights were seen not wearing masks in and outside the terminal, or had masks with them but did not have them covering their noses and mouths. A security officer said if he had seen someone not wearing a mask, he would have informed them of the rule. However, he also said it was difficult to police the rule. Airside staff were also observed not wearing masks, with an airport staff member saying it would take time to create awareness of the rule. He said it was his understanding masks were required for staff when coming into contact with travellers. City of Greater Geraldton chief executive Ross McKim said people were becoming familiar with the requirement and broadcasts were being “proactively made” to inform people at the airport. He said airport staff couldn’t issue fines, but urged people to follow the requirements. If they failed to do so, flights could stop, which would have a negative effect on the economy. “For the safety of the travelling public, and to ensure flights to Geraldton are not disrupted, I urge everyone to follow the State’s requirements,” he said. “So far compliance with mask use was very positive.” In response to a mutant strain of coronavirus spreading fast in the UK, National Cabinet last week made masks mandatory on flights and at all Australian airports for everyone over the age of 12. Mid West Gascoyne Police District Acting Supt Tony Jeavons said police would not be patrolling Geraldton Airport, but they would attend if they received complaints. “Our instructions are that people who are in or about the terminal or are involved in organised transport for passengers to the terminal, including taxi drivers, are required to wear masks, but there are some exemptions,” he said. “With directions there is a period of time where people are still becoming aware of what is required. “If we receive a complaint people are not wearing face masks (at the airport) we will attend and ask them to comply, and then issue fines if they refuse.” Exemptions to the mask rule include children aged 12 and under; a person with a physical or mental condition that makes wearing a mask unsuitable; eating, drinking or taking medication — which can only be done while seated — and interacting with someone who is deaf. Airport staff don’t have to wear a mask if they are working by themselves in an office or in an outdoor space where no one else is within 1.5m. Under the new rule, an airport doesn’t include any building or facility outside the terminal or any outdoor space where workers don’t “knowingly come into contact” with passengers or visitors.