WASHINGTON — The Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) federal mask mandate for travel on all rail systems, airplanes, in airports, and on buses will be extended through May 3, 15 days after it had been set to expire amid a new coronavirus surge fueled by the BA.2 variant. The two-week extension is from an order by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), based off the rise in cases from BA.2 since early April.
“In order to assess the potential impact the rise of cases has on severe disease, including hospitalizations and deaths, and health care system capacity, the CDC Order will remain in place at this time. At CDC’s recommendation, TSA will extend the security directive and emergency amendment for 15 days, through May 3, 2022,” a CDC spokesperson told The Hill.
Several states have seen a rise in COVID-19 cases as BA.2, a highly transmissible subvariant of omicron, has spread. Some cities have reinstated mask mandates, such as this week in Philadelphia.
The federal rule allows TSA to fine passengers who refuse to wear a mask while traveling. Under the rules, individuals who do not comply with the mandate will face a minimum fine of $500, with repeat offenders facing fines as high as $3,000.
Only thing more tiring then the mask mandate is Charles’ whining about it.
I couldn’t agree more.
This whole thing has caused incalculable harm to our society. E.g., children need to see faces for proper emotional development. If smells can pass through, germs can pass through, so the STATED purpose is false. What is the real purpose?
Charles is right, and more people should have been speaking out from the beginning.
See how the government has divided us by enforcing nonsense. A person can’t ride a train without saying 2 + 2 = 5. Pathetic.
Such vitiriol!!! Wearing a mask to prevent the spread of an airborne disease. What is wrong with that?
Nothing except although it virtue-signals, it doesn’t work, unless the mask is surgical grade.
JACOB — I read several newspapers (print or on-line) each day. I have yet to find any reason why I should wear a mask.
Where I live (Waukesha County Wisconsin) anyone who wears a mask is ridiculed. The county has never had a mask ordinance, and the state-wide (Governor Tony Evers) mask requirement has long since been ruled as beyond the governor’s constitutional powers.
Milwaukee City and Milwaukee County have had off and on mask requirements. I never go there and have no reason to. My wife and I are fine living our lives west of 124th Street, the border between Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties, If I never see Milwaukee again my life will be better.
Mussolini made the train passengers wear masks.
Uh huh. Inflation is transitory.
While I have an urge to make a snide remark, I won’t.
Charles is disappointed that you did not take the bait. So am I.
Thta’s two more weeks I’ll not travel by public transportation unless I absolutely have to. Starting to get to me. I was looking forward to a ride on the Hiawatha (after more than two years) but now our totally incompetent government has put the kibosh on that for another two weeks … then another two weeks, then another, then another — until we’re finally rid of Biden, Fauci, Buttigieg, Harris, and the rest of useless bunch of morons ruling over us. They don’t wear masks. Why should I?
“Amtrak Joe” has turned me against Amtrak. Me a lifelong and enthusiastic patron of every form of train, trolley, bus, subway, etc. etc., into a great believer in travel by car. Since the mask requirement I’ve traveled by public transportation only in cases too far to drive … meaning airplanes, airport shuttles, and the MBTA Silver and Red Lines in Massachusetts.
Come on, man! You mean you have lost patience with the regime? Only two weeks to flatten the curve. You can do it!