The TSA said on Friday that American domestic passengers should wear masks on airplanes and other forms of public transport on at least 13 September.
“The need for federal masks in the transportation system attempts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 on public transportation,” TSA chief Darby Lajoye said in a statement.
“Right now, almost half of all adults have at least one vaccination shot and a mask is an important tool in defeating this epidemic.”
On January 21, President Biden ordered the TSA and other government agencies to take action to require masks at airports and commercial aircraft, trains and public seaports, including ferry, intercity bus services and all public transport.
The TSA’s facade is effective from February 1, with rules and civil penalties.
Children under the age of two are exempted as there are some disabled people. The rest can be fined starting at $ 250 and up to $ 1,500 for repeat offenders. Most airlines also ban customers who violate facade regulations.
Under former President Donald Trump, a CDC push to mandate masks in transit was blocked and the agency instead issued strong recommendations for the use of masks only. Trump also rejected attempts by Congress to mandate mask use.
According to TSA data, airline travel is down compared to 1.5 million passengers on Thursday compared to just before the epidemic with just 1.5 million passengers on Thursday.
With post wires
Leave a Reply