The Department of Homeland Security authorized the Transportation Security Administration to begin enforcement of President Biden’s mask mandate for U.S. travelers on Sunday.
Acting DHS Secretary David Pekoske directed the TSA to mandate face coverings at “screening checkpoints and throughout the commercial and public transportation system” following a decision to enact a national emergency declaration to combat the spread of the coronavirus. Biden’s executive order, which requires masks in airports, bus stations, and train stations, will take effect on Tuesday.
“TSA will fully comply with the President’s Executive Orders, CDC guidance and the DHS National Emergency determination to ensure healthy and secure travel across all transportation sectors. This will help prevent further spread of COVID-19 and encourage a unified government response,” Darby LaJoye, a senior official performing the duties of the TSA administrator, said. “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.”
The mandate will last until May 11, and maskless travelers over the age of 2 may be “denied entry, boarding, or continued transport” in addition to being subject to “civil penalties.” The TSA will also forbid any face covering with “slits, exhalation valves, or punctures.” The government body will also not allow face shields or goggles as a substitute for a mask.
On Jan. 20, moments after he assumed office, Biden implemented the federal face covering order.
“It is the policy of my Administration to halt the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by relying on the best available data and science-based public health measures,” Biden wrote. “Such measures include wearing masks when around others, physical distancing, and other related precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Put simply, masks and other public health measures reduce the spread of the disease, particularly when communities make widespread use of such measures, and thus save lives.”
