CDC’s mask mandate begins Monday at 11:59 p.m.

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. During the pandemic, the Florida government, Ron DeSantis, was firm in its stance on wearing a mask. In November, he expanded his executive order banning local governments from enforcing violations of mask mandates.

At least as far as public transportation is concerned, there is no fine line about wearing a mask. If you are inside an airport, by bus, train, ferry or ship or taking a ride like Uber, Lyft or a taxi from Monday 23:59, it is a federal mandate to wear a face cover .

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Saturday issued an 11-page order requiring travelers to wear masks to prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.

A scarf, ski mask or bandana is not classified as a proper face covering, nor a shirt or sweater collar over your mouth and nose. And for wearers who like the cover just under their nose, it’s a no-no now too. Masks should be worn in a way that covers both the mouth and nose, the CDC says.

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The CDC instructs those responsible for public transportation and other hubs to make sure everyone is wearing a mask when entering or entering their premises.

“This order must be followed by all passengers on public transportation (for example, airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis, rides) traveling within, inside or outside the United States, as well as transportation operators (crew, drivers, conductors and other transport workers) and managers of transportation hubs (e.g., airports, bus or ferry terminals, train or subway stations, ports, ports of access) or any other area providing transportation in the United States. ”

See the CDC guidelines below.

The following are characteristics of masks required to meet the requirements of the Order. CDC will update this guidance if necessary.

• A properly worn mask covers the nose and mouth completely.

• Cloth masks should be made with two or more layers of a breathable fabric that is tightly woven (ie material that does not transmit light when held against a light source).

• Mask should be fastened to the head with ties, earrings or elastics that go behind the head. If quilts are worn, they must have two layers of fabric or be folded to make two layers.

• Mask should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face.

• Mask should be a solid piece of material without slits, exhalation valves or leaks.

The following properties are additionally acceptable as long as masks meet the above requirements.

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• Masks can be made or made at home.

• Masks can be reusable or disposable.

• Masks can have inner filter bags.

• Clear masks or cloth masks with a transparent plastic panel can be used to facilitate communication with people with hearing impairments or others who need to see a speaker’s mouth to understand speech.

• Medical masks and N-95 respirators meet the requirements of the Order.

The following do not meet the requirements of the Order.

• Masks worn in a way that does not cover both the mouth and nose

• Face shields or goggles (face shields or goggles can be worn to complement a mask that meets the above requirements)

• Scarves, ski masks, balaclavas or bandannas

• Shirt or sweater collars (eg turtleneck collars) pulled over the mouth and nose.

• Masks made of loosely woven or knitted material, ie material which transmits light

• Masks made of materials that are difficult to breathe (such as vinyl, plastic or leather)

• Masks containing cracks, exhalation valves or leaks

• Masks that do not fit properly (large gaps, too loose or too tight)