The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has made it mandatory for people to wear face masks on planes and all forms of public transportation.<br />The order also makes mask-wearing mandatory at all transportation hubs.<br />That includes bus and ferry terminals, train and subway stations, airports and seaports.<br />The order went into effect at the beginning of February 2021.<br />"People must wear masks that completely cover both the mouth and nose while awaiting, boarding, disembarking, or traveling on airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis, and ride-shares as they are traveling into, within, or out of the United States and U.S. territories." CDC, via statement <br />Children under age 2 are an exception to the rule, as well as people who cannot safely wear masks due to a disability. <br />Face masks can be temporarily removed to eat, drink, take medication or communicate with someone who is hearing impaired.<br />The CDC anticipates “widespread voluntary compliance” and “support” from federal agencies.<br />However, the CDC can enforce the order through criminal penalties if necessary.
