US travelers and passengers are expected to wear a mask on almost all forms of public transport and within transportation hubs, according to an emergency order from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday.
The mandate, which takes effect on Tuesday and applies to almost everyone over the age of two, effectively reverses the Trump administration’s policy. It follows an executive order issued by President Joe Biden on January 21, which required passengers to wear facial coverage during interstate travel.
Under the new CDC policy, masks are to be worn by all travelers on airplanes, ships, trains, subways, buses, taxis and hitchhikers and inside airports, bus or ferry terminals, train and metro stations and seaports, from according to the order.
“The requirement for masks on our transportation systems will protect Americans and provide confidence that we will be able to travel safely, even during this pandemic,” according to the 11-page order signed by Marty Cetron, director of the Global Migration and Quarantine Division. of the CDC. “Increasing universal masking by 15% could avoid the need for blockages and reduce associated losses of up to $ 1 trillion or about 5% of gross domestic product.”
An impulse by the CDC to impose masks in transit was blocked by President Donald Trump. Instead, the agency issued strong recommendations for wearing masks. Mr. Trump also rejected Congress’ efforts to impose the use of a mask.
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The order exempts people with disabilities who cannot use a mask and private cars for personal use. People will also be able to remove their mask to eat or drink or to identify themselves. Bus drivers and other operators will be in charge of enforcing the new order, which provides for the expulsion of the vehicle from those who disobey.
The order comes when 25.9 million people in the U.S. have tested positive for the virus since the pandemic began, accounting for more than a quarter of the global total.
The CDC on Friday also extended a moratorium on evictions from tenants related to non-payment of rent or housing. The order, which was scheduled to expire on January 31, runs through March 31.
Protection is limited to renters who earn no more than $ 99,000 per year or a couple who earn no more than $ 198,000.
Write to Douglas Belkin at [email protected]
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