Starting on Tuesday, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require travelers to wear masks through airport screening checkpoints and in all public transportation systems, with fines for those who fail to comply, The Hill reported on Monday.
In addition to the fines, TSA workers are authorized to deny entry or boarding to those who refuse to adhere to the directive.
The mandate comes on the heels of a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention order requiring mask-wearing at transportation hubs that will remain effective until May 11, which was made possible by President Joe Biden’s executive order on Jan. 21 directing federal agencies to “immediately take action” to mandate the use of masks in airports, trains, intercity bus services, and public maritime vessels such as ferries.
Following those steps, Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary David Pekoske on Sunday signed a Determination of National Emergency, which said the TSA can "take actions consistent with the authorities" of its federal jurisdiction so it can enforce the masks mandate order, CNN reported.
TSA senior official Darby LaJoye said the new measure “will help prevent further spread of COVID-19 and encourage a unified government response,” according to The Hill.
LaJoye continued that “we are committed to this measure as the right thing to do for the TSA workforce, for our industry stakeholders and for passengers.”