U.S. federal agencies have announced requirements for travelers to wear face coverings while on public transportation, aircraft and in airports.
On Sunday, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration announced that as of Tuesday, travelers would be required to wear masks at TSA airport checkpoints as well as "throughout the commercial and public transportation systems." The order, which runs through May 11, says passengers who refuse to wear masks will be refused entry to the secure area of airports and could be subject to civil penalties. Travelers will be asked to lower their masks for a moment when TSA agents are verifying their identity.
The TSA order followed an order on Saturday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requiring passengers to wear masks on all aircraft, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis and rideshare vehicles in the United States. That order also goes into effect on Tuesday.
Both orders support President Joe Biden's executive order requiring masks on federal property and while traveling. Previously, the CDC had recommended for travelers to wear masks but stopped short of a mandate. While airlines and other transportation suppliers generally have instituted their own requirements for masks, the federal mandate gives them extra support in enforcing them.