The U.S. government extends travel mask mandate

Mandatory requirements for travel masks aboard of all commercial air-planes, while in airports and on public transportation were extended until May 3.

The decision was made following a recent recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as Covid-19 cases are on the rise due to the spread of Omicron sub-variants. The average U.S. case count increased by 4.300 cases in only one week.

Under the recently issued mandate, citizens using all transportation networks across the United States, from airports, to commercial aircraft, buses or rail systems are required to wear protective face coverings, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration stated.

However, the decision was not welcomed by some government officials and travel industry executives, as the board of Airlines for America association sent a letter to Joe Biden’s administration urging to drop the regulations. Moreover, 21 states filed a federal lawsuit against the agencies issuing the mandate due to the same reasons.

Citizens, on the other hand, are more supportive with the decision, as a recent survey by Morning Consult indicates more than 60% per cent of adults agreeing with the mandatory masks against Covid-19 for travelling passengers.

 

Source: businesstravelnews.com