COVID-19

CDC extends mask order through May 3, 2022

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If you’re planning to travel by plane, train, or public bus, don’t put away those face masks just yet.

On Wednesday, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced that it is extending the mask mandate that was set to expire on April 18 by 15 days, through at least May 3, 2022. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will continue enforcing the order.

The reason? CDC is monitoring the spread of the Omicron variant, especially the BA.2 subvariant. And cases are rising.

“Since early April, there have been increases in the 7-day moving average of cases in the U.S. The CDC Mask Order remains in effect while CDC assesses the potential impact of the rise of cases on severe disease, including hospitalizations and deaths, and healthcare system capacity,” the CDC said in a statement.

CDC also said it will update its Travel Health Notice system for international destinations, beginning April 18.

“[T]his new system will reserve Level 4 travel health notices for special circumstances, such as rapidly escalating case trajectory or extremely high case counts, emergence of a new variant of concern, or healthcare infrastructure collapse.,” the CDC announced.

“Levels 3, 2, and 1 will continue to be primarily determined by 28-day incidence or case counts. With this new configuration, travelers will have a more actionable alert for when they should not travel to a certain destination (Level 4), regardless of vaccination status, until we have a clearer understanding of the COVID-19 situation at that destination.”

Bottom line: pay attention. This COVID thing is not over.

Fines double for flyers who refuse to wear face masks

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“Be prepared to pay.”

As part of President Biden’s broad COVID-19 action plan, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will double fines for those who are not in compliance with the federal mask mandate on commercial aircraft and in various modes of transportation, including railroad, intercity buses, and other forms of public transportation.

The new range of penalties takes effect right away – on Friday, September 10, 2021 – and will now be $500 to $1,000 for first offenders and $1,000 to $3,000 for second offenders.

The federal mask mandate for transportation is currently in effect until January 18, 2022.   

“We appreciate the majority of travelers each day who voluntarily follow the requirement, but find this action necessary to maximize the protections for those who use and work within the transportation system, and to contain COVID-19,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoskei in a statement. “By doubling the range of penalties, we seek to reinforce the importance of voluntary adherence.”