The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a general order on Friday mandating the use of masks on airplanes and other means of public transport while the United States seeks to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The order, which takes effect on Monday night just before midnight, requires the use of facial covers in places such as bus terminals, airports, train stations and subway stations, as well as in taxis and shared cars. .
“People should wear masks that cover their mouth and nose when waiting, boarding, traveling or disembarking on public transportation. People should also wear masks when entering or on the premises of a transportation center in the United States,” said the CDC in your ad.
The CDC said the masks can be reusable or disposable and can also be made at home, but said they must meet certain requirements to prevent transmission of the coronavirus. Items such as bandanas or face shields used without an underlying mask do not meet the requirement.
The mandate offers few exceptions, such as “while eating, drinking or taking medication for short periods”.
Masks have already been required for most modes of transport, although in many cases they were required by individual companies, such as airlines.
The CDC order makes the non-use of a mask during travel a violation of federal law, which companies are likely to cite to enforce the mask requirements, and stresses that travel operators, such as airline employees, can prohibit individuals who refuse to use facial coverage. Airlines said many customers have been denied service because of the problem since last year.
President Biden issued an executive order on January 21 stating that federal agencies “act immediately” to demand the use of masks at airports, trains, intercity bus services and public sea vessels, such as ferries.
The change comes after the White House under the former President Trump
Donald TrumpPalm Beach reviewing Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence Immigration reform can’t wait on money: five questions about the controversial GameStop | Biden and Yellen call for quick action on new aid MORE allegedly prevented the CDC from issuing a rule requiring passengers and employees to use facial coverage in public and commercial transport.
“Scientific evidence shows that the consistent and universal use of masks in public transport systems and in transportation centers will protect Americans and help reduce the spread of COVID-19,” the agency wrote on Friday explaining why it is buying masks now.
The order comes as the United States continues to see thousands of new cases of coronavirus every day. The seven-day average of new daily cases on Friday was 152,262, with more than 100,000 hospitalized due to COVID-19, according to Dice of the COVID Tracking Project. Daily deaths from the disease remain above 3,000 a day.