The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Friday night that masks will be worn on all public transportation from Monday night.
The mandate, issued by CDS division director Martin S. Cetron, was made after President Joe Biden issued an executive order on January 21 calling for “immediate action” for wearing masks for “all forms of public transportation”.
This applies to all public commercial transport – aircraft, trains, boats and buses – and to transport hubs, such as air terminals, train stations, subway stations, ports and bus stops.
The CDC also covers ferries, metros, taxis and ride-haul vehicles. Operators and transport workers must also wear masks.
The order does not apply to children 2 years and younger, commercial trucks and military transport. Travelers do not have to wear masks while eating or drinking briefly, the CDC said.
The CDC, according to the order, said it would only support ‘widespread voluntary compliance’. It takes effect on Monday at 23:59.
Biden used his first days in office to also set up masking and social distance on all federal properties. While he is not obligated to wear a mask in all public situations, he encourages wearing a mask “across America.”
