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• The earlier masks requirements were set to expire on March 18
• Public health authorities advised extending mask mandates by a month
U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration decided to extend mask requirements for people traveling on airplanes, trains, and transit hubs through April 18.
The White House confirmed that by the consultation of public health authorities, mask requirements have been extended by a month as the earlier requirements were set to expire on March 18.
Reuters reported that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in statements on Thursday that CDC will work with other government agencies "to help inform a revised policy framework for when, and under what circumstances, masks should be required in the public transportation corridor."
Last month, airlines and travel groups urged to "repeal the Federal mask mandate for public transportation or provide a clear roadmap to remove the mask mandate within 90 days."
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, 68,000 unruly passenger incidents have been reported since January 2021 with 70% cases related to masks.
Last week, the CDC said 93% of the U.S. population does not to wear masks as they are living in areas of low Covid-19 levels.
The transit order, applicable to all the travelers, was first implemented when Biden took office in January 2021 and has been extended thrice since.
Picture Credits: Reuters