United: Masks no longer required

Face masks are no longer required for most United Airlines customers.

In a statement United released in their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter yesterday morning, the airline said that masks are no longer required for United customers or employees on domestic flights, select international flights (dependent upon the arrival country’s requirements) or at U.S. airports. More comfortable keeping yours on? Go right ahead…the choice is yours!”

The post has garnered a lot of comments from people all over the internet in support of this, with one Facebook user saying, “Thank goodness flying for work has been miserable and fabric over your face isn’t stopping a thing. Thank you for letting every person make the decision themselves not being forced! Happy to get back on the road now!”

Not everyone is excited, though, with one user saying, “I’m keeping mine on. I’ve been wearing a mask when flying for more than 20 years. Not only does it protect me from airborne viruses in the unventilated cabin, but helps keep me from becoming dehydrated during the flight by helping to keep my nose and throat hydrated.”

When asked about the matter yesterday, the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. said in a statement that it continues to recommend that CNMI residents wear a mask based on their personal preference, informed by their personal level of risk.

“People who are considered immunocompromised or at high risk for severe illness should have a plan for rapid testing, if needed, and should talk to their healthcare provider about whether they are a candidate for treatments like oral antivirals, pre-exposure prophylaxis, and monoclonal antibodies.

“CNMI residents should stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination. A second booster shot is available to individuals aged 50 or older and certain immunocompromised individuals,” it added.

One traveler from Saipan, Rica Lozarito, who was at the Guam airport awaiting her flight to the Philippines during this interview, said she will still wear her mask. “Wearing a mask makes me feel safe and it’s fashionable as well.” 

Furthermore, she said that when she gets to the Philippines, she will continue to wear her mask at the airport and when she travels around there. At the time of the interview, she observed that everyone at the Guam airport still had their masks on.