If you’re heading to the airport or taking public transportation for spring break in the next month, be sure to pack your mask as the Transportation Security Agency is extending its masking requirement on public transportation for another month.
An administration official confirmed the extension to CBS News Radio, saying that the mandate, which was set to expire on March 18, will expire on April 18.
This will be the third extension of the requirement since it was first put in place in early 2021 by newly elected President Joe Biden. The other two extensions were in August 2021 and then January.
The move comes at the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to the official.
Masks have been a significant issue for airlines since the start of the pandemic. This year there have been 814 incidents on airlines and 535 involved masks, the FAA reported.
Last year was no different, as there were more than 5,500 reports of unruly behavior, with 4,290 being related to a mask, the FAA reported.
So, buckle up because while the expiration date is set for mid-April, that doesn’t necessarily mean it won’t be extended again.
The official said the “CDC will work with government agencies to help inform a revised policy framework for when, and under what circumstances, masks should be required in the public transportation corridor.”
They added that the administration will decide to remove the masking mandate when “COVID-19 community levels, risk of new variants, national data, and the latest science” show it is safe to do so.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram