CDC’s mask mandate begins Monday at 11:59 PM

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – Throughout the pandemic, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis remained firm in his stance on wearing a mask. In November, he extended his executive order prohibiting local governments from enforcing mask mandate violations.

Now, at least as far as public transportation is concerned, there is no longer a fine line about wearing a mask. Beginning at 11:59 PM on Mondays, it is a federal guideline to wear a face while at an airport, on a bus, train, ferry, or ship, or taking a ride, such as Uber, Lyft, or a taxi cover.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an 11-page order on Saturday requiring travelers to wear masks to prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.

A scarf, balaclava, or bandanna is not classified as a proper face covering, nor is the collar of a shirt or sweater pulled over your mouth and nose. And for wearers who like the coverage just under their noses, that’s now a no-no too. Masks should be worn in a way that covers both the mouth and nose, the CDC says.

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The CDC directs those responsible for public transportation and other interchanges to ensure that everyone wears a mask when entering or on their premises.

“This order must be obeyed by all passengers on public transportation (eg, planes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis, rides) traveling to, within or out of the United States, as well as transportation companies (eg, crew, drivers) , conductors, and other employees involved in operating modes of transportation) and transportation hub operators (e.g., airports, bus or ferry terminals, train or metro stations, seaports, ports of entry) or any other area providing transportation in the United States States. “

See the CDC guidelines below.

The following are the characteristics of masks necessary to fulfill the requirements of the Order. CDC will update these guidelines as needed.

• A well-worn mask completely covers the nose and mouth.

• Fabric masks should be made with two or more layers of a breathable fabric that is tightly woven (ie fabrics that do not transmit light when held up to a light source).

• The mask should be attached to the head with straps, ear loops or elastic bands that go behind the head. If leggings are worn, they should have two layers of fabric or be folded to make two layers.

• The mask should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face.

• The mask should be a sturdy piece of material with no gaps, exhalation valves, or punctures.

The following attributes are also acceptable as long as masks meet the above requirements.

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• Masks can be crafted or homemade.

• Masks can be reusable or disposable.

• Masks can have inner filter bags.

• Clear masks or cloth masks with a clear plastic panel can be used to facilitate communication with the hearing impaired or others who need to see a speaker’s mouth to understand speech.

• Medical masks and N-95 gas masks meet the requirements of the Order.

The following does not meet the requirements of the Order.

• Masks worn in such a way that they do not cover both the mouth and the nose

• Face shields or goggles (face shield or goggles can be worn in addition to a mask meeting the above required attributes)

• Scarves, ski masks, balaclavas or bandanas

• Collars of a shirt or sweater (eg turtleneck) are pulled over the mouth and nose.

• Masks made of loosely woven fabric or knitted, that is, fabrics that transmit light

• Masks made of materials that are difficult to breath (such as vinyl, plastic, or leather)

• Masks with slits, exhalation valves, or flat tires

• Masks that don’t fit properly (large openings, too loose or too tight)