U.S. Extends Mask Mandates For Air Travel
The United States government has extended the nationwide mask mandate for public forms of transportation as it monitors reports of a surge in coronavirus cases.
The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced it would extend the order that was set to expire on April 18, citing the need to
“monitor for any observable increase in severe virus outcomes as cases rise in parts of the country.”
Travellers will need to mask up on planes, trains and buses through at least 3 May.
The CDC said the move was “made out of an abundance of caution,” and the authorities are still working on a more flexible masking strategy to replace the nationwide requirement.
Aeroplanes and public transportation are some of the last places where Americans are still required to wear masks.
Most states have lifted their requirements for schools and other public places, and the CDC’s new guidelines say that masks aren’t necessary in areas with a low risk for transmission.
CDC Changes Travel Health Notice
The CDC revealed its Travel Health Notice system for international destinations would be revamped.
The new system will reserve Level 4 travel health notices for special circumstances, such as rapidly escalating case trajectory or extremely high case counts, emergence of a new variant of concern or healthcare infrastructure collapse.
Levels 3, 2, and 1 will continue to be primarily determined by 28-day incidence or case counts.
The system will go into effect on 18 April.
With this new configuration, travellers will have a more actionable alert for when they should not travel to a certain destination.
What are your thoughts on this issue? Talk to us in the comment section below.
Check out the deals we have found below and tell us your travel plans.
Check out the offers and discounts from:
And because of the pandemic, don’t forget to get your travel insurance, which will cover you for flight disruptions and pandemic related matters.
IaM can help with your visa application to Europe, the United States, the UK & other countries
If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or a visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.
Some of our posts include affiliate links. If you choose to purchase any of these products, we might get a small commission. For more information, check out our TOS.
- Italy's Citizenship Laws To Be Eased: What It Means For Non-EU Nationals - 2 October 2024
- Qatar Joins US Visa Waiver Program - 1 October 2024
- Countdown to the 2026 Diversity Visa Lottery: What You Need to Know - 30 September 2024