6 Places You Must Wear a Mask, Starting Today
During his election campaign, now-President Joe Biden promised that if elected, he would tighten up mask restrictions as one of his tactics to end the COVID-19 pandemic. Just weeks into his presidency, he joined forces with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and issued an executive order Jan. 21 calling for "immediate action" on mask-wearing for "all forms of public transportation." The order, which went into effect last night at 11:59 pm and is detailed on the CDC website, will require "all passengers on public conveyances" traveling into or within the United States, and also transportation workers to mask up. Read on to find out where you will need to wear protective face coverings—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus.
Airplanes and Airports
From the time you arrive at the airport until you arrive at your final destination and get into your vehicle, plan on keeping your mask on. If you refuse, transportation workers are required by law to deny you entry.
Ships and Ferries
Cruise ships were one of the first places to host superspreader events with several linked to large outbreaks. From the time you board until the moment to disembark, you will be required to wear a mask any time you are in a public space.
Trains and Train Stations
From the train station to inside of the train cars, expect to keep your mask securely in place. If you take it off, you will be removed "at the earliest opportunity."
Subways and Subway Stations
Subway stations and subway cars are usually enclosed and cramped spaces with very little circulation, making them risky for COVID-19 transmission. From now on you will have to wear your protective face covering anytime you are traveling this way.
RELATED: 7 Tips You Must Follow to Avoid COVID, Say Doctors
Buses and Bus Depots
Buses and bus depots also make it difficult to stay six feet apart from others. Now, you will have to wear your mask anytime you are traveling in one or else you will be breaking Federal law.
Taxis and Ride Shares
Don't think about hopping in a cab, an uber, or a rideshare to the airport without being masked up.
Who It Doesn't Apply To
There are a few exceptions to the new mask mandate, including children 2 or younger (who should never wear a mask), commercial trucks and military transportation. Additionally, if you are eating or drinking you can briefly remove your mask, per the CDC.
RELATED: If You Feel This, You May Have Already Had COVID, Says Dr. Fauci
Do Your Part All of the Time
Follow Dr. Anthony Fauci's fundamentals and help end this surge, no matter where you live—wear a face mask, social distance, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people you're not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, get vaccinated when it becomes available to you, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
