U.S. extends airplane mask mandate through April 18

A sign reads “Wear A Mask” at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday that the requirement that travelers wear masks on flights, trains, and buses through April 18 is being extended by the Transportation Security Administration.

The mandate was due to end on March 19.

As Covid cases drop, the Biden administration, cities and states have rolled back mask mandates and other policies.

The CDC recommended that the security directive for mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs be extended for one month.

The new framework will be based on Covid cases, new variant risk and the latest science, according to the CDC.

The agency didn't comment immediately.

The Biden administration ordered travelers to wear masks at airports and train stations after the president took office. Over the past year, it was extended by the government.

The government mandate that labor unions had pushed for was not issued by President Donald Trump.

According to the FAA, 70% of unruly airline passenger behavior over the past year has been tied to disputes over mask mandates.