Americans will be required to wear a mask while using any form of public transportation (including buses, trains, taxis, airplanes, boats, subways, or shared vehicles) from Monday to late to curb the spread of Covid-19, the Centers for in US Disease Control and Prevention has announced.
The order takes effect at 23:59 pm 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 while waiting for their trip. . The mask must contain at least two layers of breathable fabric and fastened to the head with bows, ear ties or elastic bands.
Masks should fit well and should not have exhalation valves or punctures. If someone chooses to wear a leggings, it should be done with two layers of fabric or folded to have two layers. Face shields and glasses can complement a mask, but cannot be worn in place of a mask. Handkerchiefs and bandanas do not meet the new requirement.
Children under the age of 2 or people with a disability who cannot wear a mask are exempt.
In the order, which was announced Friday afternoon, 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 agencies. federals.
The order will remain in effect until further notice.
The move comes after U.S. President Joe Biden signed an executive order on Jan. 21 requiring forced interstate travelers to wear a mask. His first day in office, Biden challenged Americans to wear a mask for 100 days to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.