TSA Extends Federal Mask Mandate on Planes, Public Transportation

The mandatory mask mandate on public transportation will be extended until at least April 18.

The CDC and the White House are working on a revised policy framework for when the mask mandates can be safely lifted, according to NBC News.

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The facial covering requirements were due to expire on March 18 but have been extended for another month. The decision to extend the mandate comes as every state has decided to drop the protocols.

CDC will work with government agencies to help inform a revised policy framework for when and under what circumstances masks should be required in public transportation.

The revised framework will be based on community levels, risk of new variant, national data, and the latest science, according to the CDC statement.

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases would be more important than the number of hospitalizations in the future when it comes to changing the mask guidance.

BREAKING NEWS: At CDC’s recommendation, TSA will extend the security directive for mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs for one month, through April 18th. https://t.co/OSQnzzp5AN pic.twitter.com/nLFOZJTkT5

— TSA (@TSA) March 10, 2022

The rapid recovery of the travel industry is a good example of how the work of the agency has helped keep travelers safe.