The U.S. is extending a federal requirement that travelers wear masks on airplanes, at airports, on trains and buses through April 18, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday.
The mandate was set to expire on March 19.
An extension of the mandate comes as the federal government, cities and states have rolled back mask mandates and other pandemic policies as Covid cases drop.
“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,” the CDC said. “During that time, CDC will work with government agencies to help inform a revised policy framework for when, and under what circumstances, masks should be required in the public transportation corridor.”
The CDC said the new framework will be based on Covid cases, new variant risk “and the latest science.”
The TSA didn’t immediately comment.
