WASHINGTON – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a comprehensive order late Friday requiring the use of face masks on almost all forms of public transportation, as the country still reports thousands of daily deaths from COVID-19.
The order, which takes effect at 23:59 EST Monday (0459 GMT Tuesday), requires all travelers to wear face masks on planes, ships, trains, subways, buses, taxis and shares and at transport hubs, such as airports, bus or ferry terminals, train and subway stations, and ports.
On January 21, President Joe Biden ordered government agencies to “act immediately” to require masks in airports and commercial aircraft, trains and public maritime vessels, including ferries, bus services and all public transportation.
Under Donald Trump, who was president until January 20, a CDC attempt to mandate masks in transit was blocked, and the agency issued only strong recommendations for mask use instead. Trump also rejected Congress’ attempts to recommend the use of masks.
“The requirements of masks on our transportation systems will protect Americans and give them confidence that we can travel safely again even during this pandemic,” said the 11-page order signed by Marty Cetron, director of CDC’s Global Migration Division and quarantine.
Easier enforcement
While airlines and most transit modes already require masks, the CDC order will not carry the violation of federal law through a mask, which could make it easier to apply air hostess and others.
A U.S. airline group told Biden this month that carriers had to ban ‘thousands of passengers’ from future flights because they did not comply with airline mask policies.
The CDC said people violating the order could face criminal penalties, but suggested that civil penalties would be more likely if necessary. The order will be enforced by the Transport Security Administration and federal, state and local agencies.
According to the order, passengers must wear a mask, except for short periods, such as eating, drinking or taking medication. Masks can be made or made at home.
The only exceptions are for travelers under 2 years and for people with certain medical conditions. People in private cars and solo commercial truck drivers do not have to wear masks.
Airlines’ concerns
U.S. airlines this week expressed concern over requests to carry passengers out for health reasons. According to the CDC order, airlines and other transportation routes may require medical documentation and consultation by a medical specialist, as well as a negative COVID-19 test from a passenger required to board an aircraft or other means of transportation.
The CDC said this week that it “wants to actively look” at the requirement of negative COVID-19 tests for domestic air travel after it was mandatory on January 26 on almost all international flights. groups.
The CDC order says airlines and other operators must, at the earliest safe opportunity, launch any person who refuses to comply. ‘
Federal agencies must submit plans no later than Friday to enforce a separate Biden order requiring masks in all federal buildings and in all federal states.
A White House memorandum of January 24 states that domestic travel for federal employees “should be limited to critical travel only,” and occupancy at federal offices should be limited to 25% during “periods of great community appearance.”