CDC mandates face masks for public transportation, making refusal a violation of federal law

Editor's Note

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), on January 29, issued a federal Public Health Order requiring all individuals to wear masks on nearly all forms of public transportation, and made refusal to wear a mask a violation of federal law.

The Order mandates the use of face coverings at places such as bus terminals, airports, train stations, and subway stops as well as in taxis and ride-hailing services.

The CDC says the masks can be reusable or disposable and can be homemade, but they must meet certain requirements. Items such as face shields without a mask under them, bandannas, and scarves do not fulfill the requirements of the Order, and neither do masks containing slits, exhalation valves, or punctures.

The requirement to wear a mask does not apply:

• while eating, drinking, or taking medication for a brief period
• while communicating with a hearing impaired person
• if there is a loss of cabin pressure, and oxygen is needed aboard an aircraft
• if unconscious
• when necessary to verify one’s identity.

The Order went into effect on February 1 at 11:59 pm (EST).