Mask mandate for air travel and public transportation is extended again

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention extended the mask mandate for air travel and public transportation. The mandate, which was set to expire on April 18th, will be extended another two weeks as officials continue to monitor the number of COVID-19 cases across the country. The mandate was renewed last month.

The CDC was told by the Transportation Security Administration that they would be extending the requirement for face covering for all airline passengers and public transportation riders through May 3rd.

Americans are not required to wear masks in public transportation. Most states have lifted their requirements for schools and other public places, and the CDC's new guidelines say that masks aren't necessary in areas with a low risk for transmission.

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.

Medical professionals warn airlines that passengers are two to three times more likely to catch COVID-19 on a plane since the emergency of the highly contagious omicron variant. High-powered, hospital-grade air filters are installed on passenger jets by many carriers as a way to mitigate the risk.

The requirement to wear masks on airplanes has led to a huge increase in passengers aggressive toward flight attendants. The Federal Aviation Administration said it has received more than 3,200 reports of unruly behavior by passengers since the beginning of the year, of which 75 percent are related to passengers who refuse to comply with federal mask mandates.