New CDC mandate requires masks for public transportation and travel

BEIJING, CHINA - JANUARY 30: A protective mask is seen on the ice of a frozen section of the Liangma River wear people were skating on January 30, 2021 in Beijing, China. Recent outbreaks in the capital and across northern China have prompted the government to cancel Lunar New Year celebrations marked nationwide beginning February 12th. People have been urged to forego travel during the holiday period which typically sees millions move between cities and villages to visit family. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
BEIJING, CHINA - JANUARY 30: A protective mask is seen on the ice of a frozen section of the Liangma River wear people were skating on January 30, 2021 in Beijing, China. Recent outbreaks in the capital and across northern China have prompted the government to cancel Lunar New Year celebrations marked nationwide beginning February 12th. People have been urged to forego travel during the holiday period which typically sees millions move between cities and villages to visit family. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

For those itching to get out of their houses and return to the world we live in, a new mandate by the CDC will make wearing a mask on all public transportation starting at 11:59 on Monday.

This is the first time since this all began that the CDC is putting out an order to wear masks. Transportation officials will back the measure. The mandate calls for masks on all public means of transportation as well as when waiting in lines. This includes busses, trains, planes, taxis, subways, and anything else that is public.

How will this affect your travel plans in the coming months? Some states have begun lifting travel restrictions while others are tightening them. This summer is expected to be another restricted travel season. Cruise ships still do not have a definitive starting date and while California is ending some of its restrictions, theme parks like Disneyland and SeaWorld have not set opening dates.

Across the nation, some state and federal parks are open to visitors with restrictions in place. President Biden issued an executive order on the first day in office stating that all persons must wear a mask on federal properties.

This shouldn’t be much of a surprise and is probably a bit overdue but either way, travel will be affected or at least a bit inconvenienced. Of course, it could be worse. A total or partial travel ban could be in place.

Are you planning to travel this summer? If so where are you heading? Let us know in the comments!