White House, Congress drop mask mandates while travelers still required to cover up
U.S. travelers are still required by federal law to mask up on planes and trains, even after the White House and Congress dropped their mask mandates this week ahead of President Biden’s State of the Union address.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) moved Friday to loosen federal mask-wearing guidance for counties deemed to be at “low” or “medium” risk, including in schools. The action came after most states and cities around the country lifted their indoor mask mandates and proof of vaccination requirements amid a significant drop in new COVID-19 cases and deaths.
CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said during a media briefing last Friday that the update was intended for communities only, and that “nothing will change in our travel corridors” in the near future.
Soon after the announcement, the White House and Congress dropped their mask mandates.
Passengers on public transportation, however, are still required by federal law to mask up. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) extended its mask mandate for the third time in August of last year, and it is set to expire on March 18.
A TSA spokesperson would not say whether the agency plans to extend the deadline again or let it expire without further action. – READ MORE
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