Americans will have to wear a mask while using any form of public transportation – including buses, trains, taxis, planes, boats, subways or rideshare vehicles – late Monday to slow the spread of Covid-19, the U.S. Center for Disease Control and prevention announced.
The order takes effect at 23:59 ET ET Monday.
The order, signed by Dr. Martin Cetron, director of the CDC’s Global Migration and Quarantine Division, says people must wear a mask covering their nose and mouth while on public transportation and waiting for their trip. The mask must contain at least two layers of breathable material and fastened to the head with ties, earrings or elastic bands.
The masks must fit perfectly and must not have exhalation valves or punctures. If someone chooses to wear ice, it must be made with two layers of fabric or folded to have two layers. Face shields and glasses can complete a mask, but cannot be worn instead of a mask. Scarves and bandanas do not meet the new requirement.
Children under the age of 2 or people with disabilities who cannot wear a mask are exempt.
In the order, which was announced late Friday, the CDC said it reserves the right to enforce it through criminal sanctions, but “strongly encourages and anticipates widespread voluntary compliance” and expects the support of other federal agencies.
The order will remain in effect until further notice.
The move comes after US President Joe Biden signed an executive order on January 21 requiring interstate travelers to wear a mask. On his first day in office, Biden challenged the Americans to wear a mask for 100 days to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.