For caring/sharing regarding COVID-19, masks, and public transportation:
Federal Register Notice: Wearing
of face masks while on conveyances and at transportation hubs
https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/masks/mask-travel-guidance.html
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued
an Order pdf icon[PDF – 11 pages] on
January 29, 2021 requiring the wearing of masks by travelers to prevent spread
of the virus that causes COVID-19. Conveyance operators must also require all
persons onboard to wear masks when boarding, disembarking, and for the duration
of travel. Operators of transportation hubs must require all persons to wear a
mask when entering or on the premises of a transportation hub.
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.
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 pdf icon[PDF – 11 pages] will
be effective on February 1, 2021 at 11:59 pm (EST).
For frequently asked questions, visit
the FAQs.
The following are attributes of masks needed to
fulfill the requirements of the Order. CDC will update this guidance as needed.
·
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.