Biden administration extends mask mandate for airplanes and public transportation

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According to multiple media accounts, the Biden administration is preparing to extend the mask mandate on airplanes and public transportation. The mandate was set to expire on March 18th, but will be extended another month as officials monitor the drop in COVID-19 cases across the country.

Americans are not required to wear masks in public transportation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's new guidelines say that masks aren't necessary in areas with a low risk for transmission.

According to CNN, the mask requirement for air travel and public transit will be extended to April 18th. Flight attendants and other workers who will be impacted by the extension are being coordinated by the administration. One official told the news channel that the mandate could be lifted before April 18th if case numbers continue to decline.

After Donald Trump blocked the CDC from issuing a similar order in 2020, President Joe Biden signed an executive order requiring masks on airplanes and public transportation.

Public health officials have consistently recommended the wearing of masks to stop the spread of COVID-19, particularly in crowded, poorly ventilated areas. The CDC strongly recommends wearing masks on transportation to reduce the chance of getting and spreading the virus.

The Transportation Security Administration did not respond to the request for comment.