If you’re headed to a trip on Dial A Ride, off to Chicago on Amtrak’s Pere Marquette, or any other form of public transportation system you’ll do well to remember to take along your mask and wear it, because without it you will be denied boarding.
In compliance with an order issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on January 23rd, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is reminding everyone to mask up when working and riding on public transportation systems, rail, and van, bus and motorcoach service providers in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The CDC Order implements President Joe Biden’s Executive Order 13998, Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel, “to save lives and allow all Americans, including the millions of people employed in the transportation industry, to travel and work safely.”
The CDC order is in addition to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) existing epidemic order that requires all transportation providers’ staff and patrons to use face masks, and to enforce social distancing among all patrons to the extent feasible.
MDOT says science-based measures are critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19. Mask-wearing is one of several proven life-saving measures, including social distancing, frequent hand washing, appropriate ventilation and timely testing, that can reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Authorities say that requiring masks will protect America’s transportation workers and passengers, help control the transmission of COVID-19, and aid in reopening America’s economy.
In addition to the CDC order, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates issuing additional information and guidance on this topic.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has posted frequently asked questions and will continue to add to the following website with additional information in the coming days: http://www.transportation.gov/safety/mask-travel-guidance.
