The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced late on Friday that wearing a mask will be mandatory on all public transport as of Monday night.
The mandate issued by the director of the CDC division, Martin S. Cetron, came after President Joe Biden issued an executive order on January 21 that called for “immediate action” on wearing masks on “all forms of public transport. “.
It applies to all commercial public transport – planes, trains, boats and buses – and to transport centers, such as air terminals, train stations, subway stations, seaports and bus depots.
It also covers ferries, subways, taxis and public transport vehicles, said the CDC. Transport operators and workers must also wear masks.
The order does not apply to children aged 2 years and under, commercial trucks and military transport. Travelers do not need to wear masks while eating or drinking for a while, the CDC said.
The CDC said it would depend on the majority only on “widespread voluntary compliance,” according to the order. It takes effect at 23:59 on Monday.
Biden used his early days in office to also impose the use of masks and social detachment on all federal properties. Although he avoids the mandatory use of a mask in all public situations, he encouraged the use of a mask “across America”.
