CDC issues new guidelines for travel: Wear a mask when you are on a plane, train, bus or other public transit

Primary tabs

Tue, 2020-10-20 00:30 — mike kraft

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2020/10/19/coronavirus-cdc-says-travelers-who-wont-wear-masks-should-get-booted/5983253002/

CDC to passengers and workers: Wear a mask when you are on a plane, train, bus or other public transit The guidance was issued following pressure from the airline industry and amid surging cases of coronavirus in the United States and strong evidence on the effectiveness of masks in curbing transmission, according to CDC officials. Lena H. Sun Washington Post

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday strongly recommended in newly issued guidelines that all passengers and workers on planes, trains, buses and other public transportation wear masks to control the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The guidance was issued following pressure from the airline industry and amid surging cases of the coronavirus in the United States and strong evidence on the effectiveness of masks in curbing transmission, according to CDC officials.

The recommendations fall short of what transportation industry leaders and unions had sought.

The CDC had previously drafted an order under the agency’s quarantine powers that would have required all passengers and employees to wear masks on all forms of public transportation, according to a CDC official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. Such orders typically carry penalties. The order was blocked by the White House, the official said. It was first reported by the New York Times.

Monday’s recommendation followed a request from Vice President Pence to CDC Director Robert Redfield, CDC officials said. Although the agency already recommends the use of face masks generally, the new language is more strongly worded and gives the airline industry more cover to press for mask-wearing, one CDC official said. ...