Transportation Security Administration has extended its face mask requirement through at least March 18.
“Following the President’s order and announcement regarding efforts to combat the Omicron variant, TSA, in conjunction with the CDC, will extend the face mask requirement for individuals across all transportation networks throughout the United States, including at airports, onboard commercial aircraft, on over-the-road buses, and on commuter bus and rail systems through March 18, 2022,” TSA said in a statement.
TSA has extended the requirement multiple times. It was previously set to expire Jan. 31, 2022.
“Airline travelers should check with their airline on additional inflight restrictions prior to taking their trip. All commuters and travelers should check with the CDC website for additional guidance,” TSA previously said in a statement.
A graphic tweeted by a TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein also reminded people that masks are required to be worn over the person’s nose.
The announcement comes days after President Joe Biden instituted a travel ban from multiple countries due to the Omicron COVID variant.
TSA said Thursday that more details would be available soon but that TSA Administrator David Pekoske has frequently talked about how effective face masks are.
“TSA Administrator David Pekoske has said frequently the combination of vaccinations and face masks work and are highly effective in terms of slowing the spread of the virus in the transportation system, and they make travel safer for everyone. More details about the extension will be available soon,” the statement read.
___
© 2021 Advance Local Media LLC
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
