New Mask Regulations To Take Effect On All Public Transportation Nationwide

As part of President Joe Biden’s newly signed executive orders, starting Tuesday, all travelers ages two and up must wear a mask properly with their nose covered when going through TSA checkpoints, airports, and when on the flights themselves. The order extends to all public transportation such as buses and trains as well.

This new rule begins Tuesday, February 2, and is set to remain in effect until May 11. The order outlines that anyone who refuses to wear a mask at any point can be denied entry, boarding, or even future travel.

The Department of Homeland Security has granted TSA agents authority to enforce this mandate at any and all points of a traveler’s journey.

The Biden administration has been pushing for stricter mask guidelines since even before his first day in office.

TSA released a statement regarding the order, in part saying, “As we continue to experience impacts from this pandemic, we are committed to this measure as the right thing to do for the TSA workforce, for our industry stakeholders and for passengers.”

Thousands of people have been out on “no-fly” lists over the past year due to refusing to wear a mask when mandated by the specific airline. Now, if a passenger refuses to comply, they could not only be barred from current and future travel, they could potentially be charged if they do not cooperate.