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Effective today, the CDC mandates that passengers must wear masks while traveling on trains, planes, buses, taxis, ride-sharing services, and other types of public transportation. The official order, which you can read here, defines a “mask” strictly, with bandanas and face shields not being accepted.
Important Information for Travelers
Masks are mandatory for boarding, during the ride, and upon disembarking from your plane, train, boat, or other form of transportation. This also applies to transportation hubs like airports and bus stations, and covers both travelers and employees. Expect to hear announcements and see signs reminding everyone of the new mask regulations throughout your journey.
If you refuse to wear a mask, the driver or crew is required to deny you service. If you remove your mask during the journey and refuse to put it back on, they are authorized to remove you from the vehicle. You will also be breaking federal law.
This new rule does not apply to people driving their own vehicles for personal purposes, but it does apply to drivers and passengers of ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft.
Children under the age of two and individuals with disabilities that prevent them from safely wearing a mask are exempt from this rule. The driver or crew may ask for documentation to confirm your disability. (Here’s why this does not violate HIPAA.)
Is it ever acceptable to remove my mask?
Yes, you are allowed to remove your mask for brief periods to eat, drink, or take medication. However, you cannot circumvent the rule by pretending to sip from a water bottle for the entire flight.
You may be asked to briefly remove your mask when showing photo ID. Masks can also be removed in emergencies, such as when oxygen masks deploy from the ceiling on a plane due to a loss of cabin pressure. Additionally, you can remove your mask if needed to communicate with someone who reads lips.
What is considered a mask?
The CDC defines an acceptable mask as including N95s, surgical masks, and most cloth masks. The mask must also cover your nose to qualify.
The following items are not considered acceptable masks:
Bandanas (too loose)
Masks that are knitted or loosely woven enough to allow light to pass through
Masks made of mesh or with holes in them
Masks with valves (because they have a large opening)
Face shields (although you can wear one along with a mask)
Balaclavas or scarves (which are not considered masks)
Clear masks that enable lip-reading are permitted. Gaiters (such as Buffs) are also acceptable if you fold them so the portion covering your mouth and nose has at least two layers.
In essence, if you've been wearing masks properly all along, not much is changing. Airlines have already implemented similar rules, although USA Today mentions that flight crews find it easier to enforce a federal law than a company-specific policy.
