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WASHINGTON: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a blanket order Friday night requiring the use of face masks on nearly all forms of public transportation on Monday (February 1). ), as the country continues to report thousands of COVID-19 deaths daily.
The order, which takes effect at 11:59 p.m. EST on Monday (0459 GMT Tuesday), requires all travelers to wear face masks on planes, ships, trains, subways, buses, taxis, and ride-sharing and transportation hubs such as airports. , bus or ferry terminals, train and metro stations and seaports.
On January 21, President Joe Biden ordered government agencies to “take immediate action” to require masks at airports and on commercial airliners, trains, and public maritime vessels, including ferries, intercity bus services, and all. public transport.
READ: Biden orders masks and quarantine for passengers flying to US in ‘wartime’ offensive on COVID-19
Under Donald Trump, who was president until January 20, a push from the CDC to require masks in transit was blocked and instead the agency only issued strong recommendations for the use of masks. Trump also rebuffed efforts by Congress to demand the use of masks.
“Requiring masks in our transportation systems will protect Americans and provide confidence that we can 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. from the CDC.
While airlines and most modes of transit already require masks, the CDC order will make not wearing a mask a violation of federal law that could make it easier for flight attendants and others to comply with it.
A group of US airlines told Biden this month that airlines had had to ban “thousands of passengers” from future flights for failing to comply with airline mask policies.
FILE PHOTO: A traveler wearing a protective mask and face shield to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) passes through security to board a flight at the airport in Denver, Colorado, USA, 24 de November 2020. REUTERS / Kevin Mohatt / File Photo
The CDC said that people who violate the order could face criminal penalties, but suggested that civil penalties would be more likely if necessary. The order will be enforced by the Transportation Security Administration and federal, state and local agencies.
The order says that passengers must wear a mask in transit, except for brief periods, such as to eat, drink or take medicine. The masks can be made or homemade.
The only exceptions are for travelers under the age of two and for those with certain medical conditions. People in private cars and commercial truck drivers traveling alone do not have to wear masks.
US airlines expressed concern this week over passenger requests to opt out of masks for health reasons.
The CDC order says airlines and other modes of transit may require medical documentation and the consultation of a medical specialist, as well as require a negative COVID-19 test from a passenger to board a plane or other mode of transportation.
The CDC said this week that it was “actively seeking” to require negative COVID-19 testing for domestic air travel after requiring it for nearly all international travel as of January 26. The prospects for national COVID-19 testing drew strong opposition Friday from airlines and other groups.
The CDC order says airlines and other operators must “disembark as soon as possible any person who refuses to comply.”
Federal agencies must submit plans no later than Friday to enforce a separate Biden order that requires masks in all federal buildings and on all federal lands.
READ: COVID-19 guidelines are now the rule at the White House
A January 24 White House memo says domestic travel by federal employees “should be limited to mission-critical travel only,” and occupancy in federal offices should be limited to 25 percent during “periods of high prevalence in community”.
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