KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A nationwide mask order for public transportation and at transportation hubs goes into effect next week.
Starting Tuesday, February 2, the CDC is requiring the wearing of masks by all travelers into, within, or out of the United States on planes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis and ride shares.
It will also apply to travelers in transportation hubs such as airports and seaports, train, bus and subway stations, and other areas that provide transportation.
Today's order is part of President Biden's Executive Order on Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel.
“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.”
According to the CDC, using public transportation increases a person’s risk of getting and spreading COVID-19 by bringing people in close contact with others, often for prolonged periods. Masks protect the wearer and those around the wearer from respiratory droplets carrying the virus.
