The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an Order which goes into effect on February 1, 2021, at 11:59 pm (EST), requiring the wearing of masks by travelers to prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.
Order Summary | Mask Guidelines | FAQ
👉 The Order States:
- People must wear masks that cover both the mouth and nose when awaiting, boarding, traveling on, or disembarking public conveyances.
- People must also wear masks when entering or on the premises of a transportation hub in the United States.
- This Order must be followed by all passengers on public conveyances (e.g., airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis, ride-shares) traveling into, within, or out of the United States as well as conveyance operators (e.g., crew, drivers, conductors, and other workers involved in the operation of conveyances) and operators of transportation hubs ( e.g., airports, bus or ferry terminals, train or subway stations, seaports, ports of entry) or any other area that provides transportation in the United States.
👉 How to Wear a Mask According to the Order
The following are attributes of masks needed to fulfill the requirements of the Order.
- A properly worn mask completely covers the nose and mouth.
- Cloth masks should be made with two or more layers of a breathable fabric that is tightly woven (i.e., fabrics that do not let light pass through when held up to a light source).
- Mask should be secured to the head with ties, ear loops, or elastic bands that go behind the head. If gaiters are worn, they should have two layers of fabric or be folded to make two layers.
- Mask should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face.
- Mask should be a solid piece of material without slits, exhalation valves, or punctures.
The following attributes are additionally acceptable as long as masks meet the requirements above.
- Masks can be either manufactured or homemade.
- Masks can be reusable or disposable.
- Masks can have inner filter pockets.
- Clear masks or cloth masks with a clear plastic panel may be used to facilitate communication with people who are hearing impaired or others who need to see a speaker’s mouth to understand speech.
- Medical masks and N-95 respirators fulfill the requirements of the Order.
The following do not fulfill the requirements of the Order.
- Masks worn in a way that does not cover both the mouth and nose.
- Face shields or goggles (face shields or goggles may be worn to supplement a mask that meets above required attributes)
- Scarves, ski masks, balaclavas, or bandannas.
- Shirt or sweater collars (e.g., turtleneck collars) pulled up over the mouth and nose.
- Masks made from loosely woven fabric or that are knitted, i.e., fabrics that let light pass through.
- Masks made from materials that are hard to breathe through (such as vinyl, plastic or leather).
- Masks containing slits, exhalation valves, or punctures.
- Masks that do not fit properly (large gaps, too loose or too tight).
Additional guidance on the use of masks to slow the spread of COVID-19 is available on CDC’s website.
Masks should not be worn by:
- Children younger than 2 years old
- Anyone who has trouble breathing
- Anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance
- Wearing masks may be difficult for some people with sensory, cognitive, or behavioral issues. If they are unable to wear a mask properly or cannot tolerate a mask, they should not wear one, and adaptations and alternatives should be considered
👉 FAQ
A public transportation conveyance is any mode of transportation other than a private vehicle. Types of public transportation conveyances include airplanes, trains, subways, buses, taxis, ride-shares, ferries, ships, trolleys, and cable cars.
The order applies to all public transportation conveyances traveling into the United States (i.e., arriving from a foreign country) or within the United States (including within states or territories or traveling between states or territories). It also applies to all conveyances leaving the United States until they arrive at a foreign destination.
People should wear masks that completely cover the mouth and nose and fits snugly against the sides of the face. See CDC’s guidance for attributes of masks needed to fulfill the requirements of the Order.
A transportation hub is any location where people gather to await, board, or disembark public transportation. This includes airports, bus and ferry terminals, marinas, train and subway stations, seaports, and ride-share pick-up locations.
The order applies to all transportation hubs in the United States and U.S. territories, except those operated by the U.S. Department of Defense.
A public transportation conveyance operator is any individual or organization causing or authorizing the operation of a conveyance and includes the transportation company, as well as crew, drivers, conductors, ticket takers, and other workers involved in the operation of the conveyance.
Operators of public transportation conveyances must refuse to board anyone not wearing a mask that completely covers the mouth and nose and requires that everyone onboard wears a mask for the entire duration of travel. If a passenger refuses to comply, the operator must disembark the person at the earliest safe opportunity.
Operators of public transportation conveyances must deny entry to anyone not wearing a mask that completely covers the mouth and nose and requires that everyone on the premises wears a mask. If a person refuses to comply, the operator must remove the person from the premises at the earliest safe opportunity.
There are some circumstances when taking your mask off would be necessary, including brief periods of time while eating, drinking, or taking medication. Other reasons include medical emergencies, to verify identity during security screenings, or if asked to do so by ticket/gate agents or law enforcement. On a plane, masks should be removed if oxygen masks are needed because of the loss of cabin pressure.
If individuals touch their mask while removing or wearing it back, wash hands with water and soap for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.
Yes, the order requires all travelers to wear a mask, including those who have recovered from COVID-19.
Yes, the order requires all travelers to wear a mask, including those who have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
If you are on a conveyance and a passenger near you refuses to wear a mask, alert personnel working on the conveyance (e.g., crew member, driver, conductor) for assistance. If you are in a transportation hub, notify a staff member or security personnel.
Scientific evidence shows that consistent and universal use of masks on public transportation systems and in transportation hubs will protect Americans and help to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Mask use will enable Americans to travel responsibly and as safely as possible when they need to travel during the pandemic.
You Ride, We Guide.