WASHINGTON – U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a disclosure order Friday afternoon that required the use of face masks on almost every form of public transportation, as the country continues to report of thousands of deaths daily by COVID-19.
The order, which takes effect at 23:59 pm EST Monday (Tuesday at 0459 GMT), requires face masks for all passengers on planes, ships, trains, subways, buses, taxis and car sharing and at shopping centers. transport, such as airports, bus or ferry terminals, train and metro stations and seaports.
President Joe Biden on Jan. 21 ordered government agencies to “take immediate action” to demand masks at airports and commercial planes, trains and public shipping, including ferries, intercity bus services and more. public transport.
Under Donald Trump, who was president until Jan. 20, a CDC impulse was blocked to demand masks in transit, while the agency only issued solid recommendations for their use. Trump also rejected Congressional efforts to demand the use of masks.
“The need for masks in our transportation systems will protect Americans and provide confidence that we will be able to travel safely again even during this pandemic,” said the 11-page order signed by Marty Cetron, director of the Division of Global Migration and Quarantine of CDC.
Easier application
Although airlines and most modes of traffic already require masks, the CDC order will not wear a mask to violate federal law, which could facilitate the application of flight attendants and flight attendants. others.
A group of U.S. airlines told Biden this month that airlines should ban “thousands of passengers” from future flights for violating airline mask policies.
The CDC said people who violated the order could face criminal penalties, but suggested civil penalties would be more likely if necessary. The order will be executed by the Transportation Security Administration and federal, state, and local agencies.
The order states that passengers must wear a mask during traffic, 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 old and for those with certain medical conditions. People wearing private cars and commercial truck drivers alone should not wear masks.
Airline Concerns
U.S. airlines have this week voiced concerns about passenger requests to abandon the use of masks for health reasons. The CDC order says airlines and other modes of traffic may require medical documentation and consultation with a medical specialist, in addition to requiring a negative COVID-19 test from a passenger to board a plane or other mode. transport.
The CDC said this week that it was “actively studying” the need for negative testing of COVID-19 for domestic air travel after ordering it for almost all international travel as of Jan. 26. Prospects for the national COVID-19 tests sparked strong opposition on Friday from groups.
The CDC order says airlines and other operators must “land at the first safe opportunity of anyone who refuses to comply.”
Federal agencies must submit plans by Friday at the latest to enforce a separate Biden order that requires masks on all federal buildings and all federal lands.
A Jan. 24 White House note says national travel for federal employees “should only be limited to mission-critical travel” and that employment in federal offices should be limited to 25 percent. during “periods of high community prevalence.”