The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Friday that all travelers require to wear a face mask while on public transportation, which includes airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis, and ride-shares.
The CDC said that scientific evidence shows that “consistent and universal use of masks” on public transit will help reduce the spread of COVID-19, as over 430,000 Americans have died from the novel coronavirus.
This action is to prevent further the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 and further support state and local health authorities, transportation partners, and conveyance operators to keep passengers, employees, and communities safe.
“America’s transportation systems are essential,” said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH. “Given how interconnected most transportation systems are across our nation and the world when infected persons travel on public conveyances without wearing a mask and with others who are not wearing masks, the risk of interstate and international transmission can grow quickly.”
“CDC recommends that non-essential travel be avoided; however, for those who must travel, additional measures are being put in place to help prevent the spread of the virus,” said Dr. Walensky. “Masks are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely and consistently used by all people in public settings.”
This order will be effective on February 2, 2021. For more information, go to https://www.cdc.gov
