Mask Mandates Lifted in the US... Public Transit Requirements May Be Removed as Early as Next Month

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] As all 50 states in the United States remove indoor mask mandates this month, mask-wearing requirements on public transportation, airports, and train stations are also expected to be lifted as early as next month.

The Wall Street Journal reported on the 10th (local time) that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has decided to extend the mask mandate on public transportation, which is set to expire on the 18th, for one more month.

This extension is intended to give health authorities more time to prepare new guidelines that narrow down who must wear masks. An anonymous official told the Associated Press, "Based on community transmission level criteria, we plan to establish a revised framework on when masks should be worn on public transportation."

Previously, extensions were due to worsening COVID-19 spread, but this time it is part of preparations to lift the mandate. The New York Times interpreted, "(The one-month extension) is a relatively short measure," adding, "It signals that such measures could be eased in at least some areas."

It also reported that "The CDC is consulting with other federal agencies on when masks will be necessary on public transportation, considering factors such as case numbers and the risk of new variants."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.