People wear face masks and masks while waiting for their flight at Dallas / Fort Worth International Airport in Dallas, TX on July 27, 2020.
Erin Clark | Boston Globe | Getty Images
On Monday, the U.S. Department of Disease Control and Prevention The centers issued a “strong recommendation” that all passengers and employees of planes, trains, subways, buses, taxis and ride-sharing vehicles should wear masks to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Interim guidance also calls for face-lifting at transport centers such as airports and train stations.
“The widespread and regular use of masks on our transportation systems will protect Americans and give us confidence that we will be able to travel even safer during this epidemic,” the CDC said.
Airlines, Amtrak and most public transport systems and U.S. Airports already require all passengers and workers to wear face ingots, as do most airports, and ride-sharing companies Uber and Lift.
But in July the White House opposed the language in a bill before Congress that made it mandatory for all airport, train and public transport passengers and workers to wear masks. The White House did not immediately comment on the CDC’s recommendation.
In July, the White House Office of Management and Budget said legislation requiring masks was “excessively prohibited.” It added that “such decisions should be left to the states, local governments, transport systems and public health leaders.”
The CDC said transport operators should ensure that all passengers and employees wear masks “for the duration of the trip” and provide “ticket buyers or transport bookers” with information on the need to wear masks, as well as the potential masks to be available.
It states that transport operators may exempt two or under children with written instructions from a medical provider.
The US Travel Association praised the CDC guidance. The group said economic and job recovery cannot be achieved until the journey can begin broadly, and the universal embrace of wearing masks and other hygiene measures is something that will enable it to happen.
American Airlines has collectively banned hundreds of flyers for failing to wear masks since it began requiring masks in April.
“Advanced disinfectant practices and health acceptance forms are an essential part of a multi-layered approach to protecting the well-being of our employees and travelers,” said Airlines for America, a business group representing large companies.
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