WASHINGTON – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a general order late Friday requiring the use of face masks on almost all forms of public transportation as the country continues to report thousands of deaths daily through COVID-19.
The order, which takes effect at 23:59 EST on Monday (0459 GMT on Tuesday), requires face masks to be worn by all passengers on planes, ships, trains, subways, buses, taxis and ride-shares, and in transport hubs, such as airports, bus or ferry terminals, train and metro stations and seaports.
On January 21, President Joe Biden ordered government agencies to “take immediate action” to request masks at airports and on commercial airplanes, trains and shipping vessels, including ferries, long-distance bus services and all public transportation.
Under Donald Trump, who was president until January 20, a CDC action to mandate masks in transit was blocked, and the agency instead issued only strong recommendations for the use of masks. Trump also rejected congressional efforts to impose the use of the mask.
“Requesting masks for our transportation systems will protect Americans and give us confidence that we can travel safely again even during this pandemic,” said the 11-page order signed by Marty Cetron, director of the Migration and Quarantine Division. CDC.
Easier to apply
While airlines and most modes of transit already require masks, the CDC order will cause the non-wearing of a mask to violate federal law, which could facilitate the application of flight attendants and others.
A group of US airlines said this month in Biden that carriers had to ban “thousands of passengers” from future flights because they did not comply with air mask policies.
The CDC said violators could be penalized, but suggested that civil sanctions would be more likely if needed. The order will be implemented by the Transportation Security Administration and federal, state and local agencies.
The order stipulates that passengers must wear a mask in transit, except for short periods, such as eating, drinking or taking medication. The masks can be either made or homemade.
The only exceptions are for trips under 2 years and for those with certain medical conditions. People driving private cars and drivers of solo commercial trucks must not wear masks.
Airline concerns
US airlines have expressed concern this week about passengers’ requests to give up wearing masks for health reasons. The CDC order says airlines and other modes of transit may require medical documentation and consultation by a medical professional, as well as the need for a negative COVID-19 test from a passenger to board a plane or other mode of transportation.
The CDC said this week that it was “actively pursuing” the need for negative COVID-19 tests for domestic air travel, after requesting it for almost all international travel since January 26. groups.
The CDC’s order states that airlines and other operators must, “as soon as possible, disembark anyone who refuses to comply.”
Federal agencies must submit plans by Friday at the latest to apply a separate Biden order requiring masks in all federal buildings and on all federal lands.
A Jan. 24 White House note says domestic travel for federal employees “should be limited to mission-critical travel only,” and employment at federal offices should be limited to 25 percent during periods of high prevalence. community ”.