WASHINGTON (WBAP/KLIF News) – The requirement of wearing a mask while taking public transportation now has federal backing.
The Department of Homeland Security has given the Transportation Security Administration the authority to implement some tenets of President Joe Biden’s Executive Order on Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel.
It requires travelers to wear face masks in airports, bus and rail stations, as well as while on planes, passenger trains, buses and other forms of public transportation.
In statement, the TSA said the actions, which take effect at 10:59 p.m. CT Monday night, will also support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Emergency Order that requires people to wear masks on stations, ports or similar transportation hubs.
“TSA will fully comply with the President’s Executive Orders, CDC guidance and the DHS National Emergency determination to ensure healthy and secure travel across all transportation sectors. This will help prevent further spread of COVID-19 and encourage a unified government response,” said Darby LaJoye, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the TSA Administrator.
The CDC said its edict was prompted by the raging COVID-19 pandemic and the difficulty of being able to stay six feet apart while on public transportation vehicles and in hubs.
The requirement will remain in effect until May 11, 2021.
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