Major US airlines to require passengers to wear face masks

Major US airlines to require passengers to wear face masks

DALLAS — American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines said Thursday they will soon require passengers to cover their faces during flights, following the lead of JetBlue Airways.The move comes as airlines big and small contemplate how to comply with social-distancing recommendations in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.Most flights are nearly empty these days — air travel is down 95% from a year ago, and the average domestic flight has 17 passengers, according to industry figures.But recently passengers have posted photos on social media of crowded planes with many passengers who weren't covering their faces despite the recommendation by federal health officials to wear a mask when in public to prevent spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.In some cases, airlines created the crowds by canceling other flights and packing passengers onto fewer planes.During a three-hour layover at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Vince Warburton noticed a crowd gathering in the gate area before his American Airlines flight to Los Angeles.“People were laughing at the fact that (gate agents) were encouraging us to social-distance while boarding the plane, and there were so many people in line,” said the 32-year-old video engineer, who was commuting to a job.The laughter didn't last long.“When we got on the plane, we were all sitting right next to each other,” said Warburton, who was flying on a discount ticket and was assigned a middle seat in a full row. ”People were very uneasy.

'Continuing work on projects:' During essential travel, watch out for work crews

'Continuing work on projects:' During essential travel, watch out for work crews

MILWAUKEE --The Wisconsin Department of Transportation joins transportation workers and officials throughout the country in observing the annual National Work Zone Awareness Week April 20-24.“By following public health guidance and taking more precautions, road crews are continuing work on projects that will be essential to our recovery.

'He'll feel my presence:' Family prays for Mitchell Airport worker, on a ventilator due to COVID-19

'He'll feel my presence:' Family prays for Mitchell Airport worker, on a ventilator due to COVID-19

WEST ALLIS -- With a Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport employee fighting for his life -- on a ventilator at a West Allis hospital as a result of the coronavirus, loved ones used their voices in an effort to reach him Wednesday -- while practicing social distancing.The Govan family asked hospital officials if they could simply pray outside, and officials agreed, provided they kept their distance, and stayed with their family members.Shamicka Govan said two things brought her to her husband more than 20 years ago.

'Do your part:' MCTS urges public to continue following rider restrictions, Safer at Home orders

'Do your part:' MCTS urges public to continue following rider restrictions, Safer at Home orders

MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee County Transit System and its bus drivers have asked the public to continue doing their part in keeping everyone safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.In a video, drivers share messages of hope and public safety for both themselves and riders.All Milwaukee County Transit System buses are currently limiting ridership to 10 people in an effort to practice better social distancing.

'I think it's better this way:' 10 rider limit takes affect on all MCTS buses

'I think it's better this way:' 10 rider limit takes affect on all MCTS buses

MILWAUKEE -- All Milwaukee County Transit System buses are now limiting ridership to just 10 people in an effort to practice better social distancing, but that change has come with other challenges.There is only so much opportunity for social distancing in confined spaces like on a bus or at a bus stop.

Mitchell Airport parking employee who works in baggage claim tested positive for COVID-19

Mitchell Airport parking employee who works in baggage claim tested positive for COVID-19

MILWAUKEE -- A Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport baggage claim employee tested positive for the coronavirus, officials announced Tuesday, March 31.In a news release, airport officials said the Interflight Parking employee works in the ground transportation booth located on the Baggage claim roadway.The individual was last at MKE on Thursday, March 26, and worked third shift.Airport officials noted steps taken to restrict access to those areas where the individual worked and to sanitize those areas.

Attention drivers: This upcoming construction could impact your commute

Attention drivers: This upcoming construction could impact your commute

MILWAUKEE -- Ryan Luck with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation joins FOX6 WakeUp to talk about the upcoming construction that could impact your commute.I-94 North-South (South-Central Segments: WIS 142 to County G)MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020I-94 NB Closure:·I-94 WEST (NB) overnight full freeway closure from WIS 142 to WIS 11, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., for profile grinding work.Detour:Travelers can use WIS 142, WIS 11, and the frontage roads to get around the closures.TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020I-94 NB Closure:I-94 WEST (NB) overnight full freeway closure from WIS 142 to County K, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., for beam guard repair and joint scanning work.Detour:Travelers can use WIS 142, County K, and the frontage roads to get around the closures.WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020I-94 NB Closure:I-94 WEST (NB) overnight full freeway closure from WIS 142 to County G, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., for beam guard repair and joint scanning work.Detour:Travelers can use WIS 142, County G, and the frontage roads to get around the closures.THURSDAY & FRIDAY, APRIL 2 & 3, 2020I-94 SB Closures:I-94 EAST (SB) overnight full freeway closures from WIS 20 to WIS 142, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., for pavement grinding and rumble strip work.Detour:Travelers can use WIS 20, WIS 142, and the frontage roads to get around the closures.* New ProjectI-43 North-South Structures Projects:(Ozaukee County) Late March 2020 through late fallThese projects involve the rehabilitation of multiple structures along I-43, from WIS 60 to the northern Ozaukee County Line.

Milwaukee County officials announce suspension of MCTS bus fares

Milwaukee County officials announce suspension of MCTS bus fares

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee County officials on Thursday, March 26 announced they're suspending fare collection on Milwaukee County Transit System buses -- and ordering riders to enter through the rear door only, unless they need assistance with a mobility device or other ADA accommodation.MCTS officials noted suspending fare collection limits the interaction between riders and bus drivers.The announcement came during a 4 p.m. briefing by Milwaukee County officials on the coronavirus pandemic.“While Congress works to create a new Federal Transit Administration grant program to help transit systems sustain operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, MCTS is doing its part to help ensure continuation of mass transit in Milwaukee County in this time of need,” said MCTS Managing Director Dan Boehm in a news release.MCTS will suspend fare collection starting 4 a.m. on Saturday, March 28 in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.A group of seven Milwaukee County supervisors submitted a proposal to Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele on Monday, March 23 to make this happen.On March 20, MCTS officials announced a reduction in bus service due to COVID-19 starting March 23.Until further notice, buses that operate Mondays through Fridays will begin using a schedule that is similar to the one used by MCTS on Saturdays.

Overweight permits for truckers hauling groceries in Wisconsin extended

Overweight permits for truckers hauling groceries in Wisconsin extended

MADISON -- The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) announced on Thursday, March 26 a two-week extension for overweight permits that allow truckers to supply grocery stores impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.A news release says for the 489 fleet permits already issued, which cover more than 15,000 trucks, no action is required for the automatic extension.

Milwaukee County supervisors propose free bus service during coronavirus pandemic

Milwaukee County supervisors propose free bus service during coronavirus pandemic

MILWAUKEE -- Several members of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors are proposing free bus rides on all Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) buses, starting immediately, for at least three weeks.A group of seven supervisors proposed the measure to Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele on Monday, March 23.