TSA Doubles Down on Commuter Mask Mandate

The TSA has extended the mandatory mask mandate on public transport until at least April 18th. That includes planes, trains, and buses.

According to NBC News:

TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a statement the agency’s collaboration with industry and federal partners has been instrumental through the pandemic, “and now we are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel as demonstrated by the rapid recovery of the travel industry.”

The mask requirement has stayed in place even after the CDC announced a shift in Covid-19 guidance in February, saying most Americans are safe without a mask in indoor settings.

The change to the mask guidance leans less heavily on the number of Covid-19 cases as a key measure, instead giving more weight to hospitalizations and local hospital capacity.

The CDC will work with government agencies to revise guidelines on when masks mandates can be completely lifted before the extension expires in April.